Routine maintenance of your vehicle should always include checking the coolant level.
To do so, pop the hood open and look for the radiator cap, usually found down center in the engine compartment. One very important point, never open a radiator cap if the engine is hot. Contents of the radiator are under pressure and this can result in serious injury.
Once the engine has cooled, wear a thick glove or place a towel over the cap and slowly turn it. If there is a hissing sound, stop, and close the cap-this means there is still pressure.
Coolant for the vehicle is a mixture of anti-freeze and water. This can be purchased together (known as 50-50 coolant) or separately. Clear directions can always be found on the back of the container. If mixing anti-freeze with water at home, make sure to use only distilled water so your radiator doesn’t rust.
Also, usually to the left of the radiator and in front of the battery is the radiator fluid reservoir. The reservoir both siphons and receives fluid from the actual radiator as needed. Make sure the reservoir is also sufficiently full. After this, check the radiator hoses, of which there are usually three. One leads to the reservoir, the others to the engine. Inspect them to make certain they are not cracked and leaking. Check where the hoses are connected via clamps as well and replace as needed.
