Do you check the coolant when the engine is hot or cold?
The short answer is that you should check your vehicle's coolant level when the engine is cold, not hot. Checking the coolant when the engine is hot can be dangerous and may not provide an accurate reading of the coolant level.
Why Check Coolant When the Engine is Cold?
Checking the coolant level when the engine is cold is important for a few key reasons:
- Safety: The cooling system is under pressure when the engine is hot, which means the coolant is also hot. Opening the radiator cap or coolant reservoir on a hot engine can result in scalding hot coolant spraying out, potentially causing serious burns.
- Accuracy: When the engine is cold, the coolant is at its normal level. As the engine heats up, the coolant expands, causing the level to rise. Checking it when cold gives you a true reading of the actual coolant level in the system.
- Maintenance: Checking the coolant when the engine is cold allows you to properly top up the system if needed, without the risk of overfilling when the coolant is expanded.
Following these guidelines helps ensure your vehicle's cooling system is properly maintained and functioning safely.
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