A Step-by-Step Guide to Checking & Testing Your Coolant By Yourself
Coolant, also called antifreeze, is the fluid that keeps your engine from overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. But like most parts in your vehicle, coolant doesn’t last forever. As it ages, it can lose its effectiveness, and if it’s not working properly, your engine could suffer several negative consequences, such as overheating, internal corrosion, or in the worst case, total engine failure. So, how do you make sure your car’s coolant is still doing its job? I bet only a few people know that. The fact is, you can test it at home with just a few simple steps. If you want to avoid wasting unnecessary time and money at the shop, continue reading with our team at Bourgeois Midland Hyundai below. We’ll show you how to check your coolant’s quality and when it’s time to flush it out.
Other Hyundai Services you may also look for: Oil Change, Brake Service, Wheel Alignment, Tire Swap, Seasonal Maintenance.
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Tools You’ll Need to Test Your Coolant
Before you get started, to make the whole process easier, it’s super helpful to gather a few simple tools first. Below are what you’ll need:
- Clean Container
- Safety Gloves
- Safety Goggles
- Paper towels
- Flashlight
- Owner’s Manual
- Coolant Tester (such as a hydrometer, refractometer, or test strips, which are available at most auto shops)
How to Test the Coolant’s Condition at Home
Now that you have gathered all the necessary tools, you’re ready to test your coolant’s condition. Just follow these simple steps below to get a clear picture of how well your coolant is performing:
- Wait until the engine is cool. Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Please wait until your car has completely cooled down to avoid burns.
- Find the coolant reservoir. It’s usually a translucent plastic tank marked with “coolant” or “antifreeze.” Check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure.
- Check the coolant level. Inspecting the level is just as important, so make sure the level is between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks on the reservoir.
- Take a sample. Use a clean container to carefully collect some coolant from the reservoir. Be sure not to mix it with any other fluids.
- Test with your coolant tester. Hydrometer: Place the hydrometer in the coolant sample and read the float level to determine freezing and boiling points. Refractometer: Place a few drops of coolant on the refractometer’s glass, then look through the eyepiece to read the coolant’s concentration. Test strips: Dip the strip into the coolant sample and compare the colour change to the chart provided with the strips.
- Check the result. Check the readings against the recommended levels in the test kit instructions.
- Safely dispose. Clean up any old coolant responsibly, as it is toxic to the environment.
When to Flush or Replace Your Car’s Coolant
Hyundai Canada recommends replacing your coolant ideally at 192,000 km or 120 months. After that, it’s best to replace it every 40,000 km or every 24 months. Besides mileage and time, it’s recommended to check your coolant’s quality at least once a year. If the concentration falls outside the 48% to 50% range, or if the freeze point isn’t between -34 and -37 degrees, a flush should be in order. Along with testing the concentration, it’s also important to perform a visual check of the coolant to see whether there is any cloudiness in the fluid. Also, if you find yourself frequently topping off the coolant, that’s a sign to have your cooling system inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealer, like Bourgeois Midland Hyundai.
Book Your Coolant Replacement at Bourgeois Midland Hyundai
If your coolant is due for a replacement or you’ve noticed signs that it needs a flush, there’s no better place to take care of it than Bourgeois Midland Hyundai. You can book your coolant replacement with us online, call us at 705-540-8015 to schedule an appointment, or stop by our service centre in Midland at your convenience.