Hello, The engine was cold on my mom's 2000 Nissan Maxima. Many coolant There are two level indicators on the side of the tank: one indicates the safe level when the engine is hot; the other, when it is cold. Before that when car was cold and on a level ground I checked coolant level by opening reservoir cap. It would be a more serious concern if the engine actually overheated. I'm not exactly sure, but mine is at (if not just below) the MIN line. Carefully open the reservoir cap and add the coolant until it reaches the fill line. Add only a 50-50 (water-antifreeze ratio) coolant mix to the overflow tank, particularly if it is winter season. A leak means that the stored liquid will slowly drip out and eventually, there will be insufficient coolant running through the system. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Only add the recommended Audi coolant type mixed at 50 % antifreeze and 50% distilled water. So, the radiator coolant overflow tank functions to serve this exact purpose. University grapples with founder's link to slavery, Costas's biggest grievance over fake Twitter account, Rachael Ray gets emotional showing off home after fire, Stimulus talks in disarray as McConnell, Dems bicker, Trump faithful asked to buy boyhood home for him, Gyllenhaal talks 'Brokeback Mountain' as it turns 15, Lakers great makes compelling case to fix health care system, SpaceX Starship test flight ends in fiery explosion, Coach's backflip issue with Hill isn't what you think, Castro: 'Nothing is going to get done' if GOP wins runoffs, History makes Black Americans wary of vaccine. Modern engines use aluminum heads, which are less tolerant of overheating because they expand twice as much as the iron block when hot and so are warped by overheating, but are much less brittle. Short and to the point. Prime example of why not to open the radiator cap or coolant reservoir when the engine I hot. Checking your vehicle’s engine coolant level and concentration should be part of your vehicle’s preventative maintenance routine. Always ensure the engine is cool before you open the filler cap – pressurised hot water can build up inside. if your level is fine then you didn't mess up you heads. As most caps state do not open when hot. You can use diluted coolant by itself, or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated coolant and distilled water. I'm sure you are okay. a learning lesson to be the least. If When I The manual says to add coolant if it's below minimum. If your coolant is low, add some more coolant. 2011 Accord Sedan LX 5-spd Alabaster Silver. you have a chance of cracking the head like you said or even worse the block. The deck part of the block does get pretty hot but it also loses heat fairly rapidly to the lower reaches of the block. the coolant gauge does not pass halfway from cold to hot. Does this sound accurate? The coolant level should be filled between F and L marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool. Here’s how to do that: Wait until the radiator has cooled. If you don’t have any common sense or can’t read. (Multiple Choice Question) Which statement best describes operation of the brake wear indicator pins. Bring the level to F, but do not overfill. Check your vehicle handbook for the location of the coolant filler cap – the advice given may vary from car to car. good luck from MS,USA. Add Coolant - Determine coolant type and add fluid properly Author Hans Angermeier has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. I drove car uphill. In normal circumstances, the coolant gets ousted out from the reservoir overflow tube, the moment the engine starts warming up. The manual says to add coolant if it's below minimum. JavaScript is disabled. Always wait for it to cool down. A low coolant level will cause engine overheating, which can damage your vehicle’s engine. that can injure you badly. When people crack the head they usually lose all the coolant[bad thermostat,cap or hose] they shut off the engine.then fill radiator full of coolant or water.Then start the car in which the water pump fills the hot engine full of cold coolant and cracking the block or head.98c is not hot enough to cause that.You added coolant to a warm engine not an overheating one.The cracked head will cause water in oil and vice versa. I was told by the Nissan dealer’s parts guy that aluminum foil would do-the-trick for the RESERVOIR cap. If it is empty, there could be a leak, and you’ll have to top it up to but the engine does not overheat what so ever. I've checked it while cold and hot, and it's the same. I went to drain the radiator and then add new coolant. You just open the cap on the reservoir to check whether the coolant looks as though it needs changing or to add water and coolant. Asadoorian RJ gave you the best possible answer. Yes, you can, and should, add coolant to the reservoir to make sure the engine cooling system does not run low. All was fine. I noticed that my coolant level on a reservoir container is on low mark when engine is hot and even lower when its cold. Before that when car was cold and on a level ground I checked coolant level by opening reservoir cap. I would check the coolant levels for the next few days for leaks or usual consumptions caused by an internal leak. In this case, you should top up your coolant as soon as possible to avoid engine damage. I know you have to be a rocket scientist to work on the cars today, but is $85.00 an labor a rather steep rate in Virginia? The block, which is still usually cast iron but is sometimes aluminum, does not get as hot as the head does. 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