How to check coolant level on a Chevy Malibu?

Maintaining the proper coolant level in your Chevy Malibu is crucial for ensuring your vehicle's engine runs smoothly and efficiently. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to check the coolant level in your Malibu.

Locating the Coolant Reservoir

The coolant reservoir in a Chevy Malibu is typically located at the front of the engine compartment, near the radiator. It's usually a translucent plastic tank, making it easy to visually inspect the coolant level.

Checking the Coolant Level

• Park your Malibu on a level surface and apply the parking brake.


• Allow the engine to cool completely before attempting to check the coolant level.


• Locate the coolant reservoir and visually inspect the level of the coolant. The level should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" markings on the reservoir.


• If the level is below the "MIN" mark, you'll need to add more coolant to the reservoir.

Be sure to use the correct type of coolant recommended by Chevrolet for your Malibu model. Mixing different types of coolant can cause damage to the cooling system.

Adding Coolant

• Locate the coolant reservoir cap and slowly unscrew it, being careful to avoid any hot steam or liquid.


• Pour the appropriate coolant into the reservoir, filling it up to the "MAX" mark.


• Replace the reservoir cap and tighten it securely.


• Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then recheck the coolant level. Top up if necessary.

If the coolant level continues to drop or you notice any leaks, it's best to have your Malibu inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify and address the underlying issue.

What kind of coolant does a Chevy Malibu take?

For a Chevy Malibu, the coolant type is Dex-Cool (a specific orange-colored, long-life formula), and you should never mix it with traditional green antifreeze. Using the wrong type can lead to sludge buildup and corrosion. Always use a coolant explicitly labeled as Dex-Cool compatible or consult your owner's manual for the correct type and specifications for your specific model year.
 
Key points

• Required Type: The factory-fill and recommended coolant for most Chevy Malibus is Dex-Cool. 
• Avoid Mixing: Do not mix Dex-Cool with traditional green antifreeze, as this can cause the coolant to gel and clog the system. 
• Labeling: Look for a coolant product that is explicitly labeled "Dex-Cool Compatible" or specifically says "Dex-Cool" on the bottle. 
• Color: While Dex-Cool is typically orange, color alone is not a reliable way to identify coolant type, so always check the label. 
• Owner's Manual: For the most accurate information, always check your owner's manual, especially for specific model years, as requirements can vary. 

How do I tell if my car is low on coolant?

Signs of low coolant include a dashboard warning light, the engine overheating (indicated by a high-temperature gauge), a sweet-smelling odor, and the air conditioning or heater malfunctioning. You may also see puddles of fluid under your car and experience reduced fuel efficiency.
 
This video explains the signs and symptoms of low coolant: 56sAuto V Fix YouTube · May 28, 2023
Dashboard warning lights and gauges 

• Coolant warning light: A light on the dashboard that looks like a thermometer or a radiator will illuminate. This can be amber for low coolant or red for overheating. 
• High-temperature gauge: The temperature gauge on your dashboard, which should normally stay near the middle, will start to move toward the "H" (hot) or red zone. 

Leaks and odors 

• Sweet smell: Low coolant often has a sickly-sweet smell, which you may notice inside or outside the car.
• Puddles under the car: You might see puddles of colored liquid (often green, pink, or orange) on the ground where you parked. 

Engine and performance issues

• Overheating engine: The most serious symptom is engine overheating, which can lead to engine shutdown to prevent severe damage. 
• Malfunctioning heater or A/C: The car's heater may not blow hot air, or if the A/C is on, it could blow hot air instead. 
• Reduced fuel efficiency: An engine that's running hotter than it should can lead to decreased fuel economy. 
• White exhaust smoke: In some cases, particularly when the engine is overheating, you may see dense white smoke coming from the tailpipe. 

This video shows you how to check your car's coolant level: 1mIn Shot ProductionsYouTube · Jan 24, 2013
What to do

• Pull over safely: If you notice any of these signs, especially the temperature gauge in the red, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. 
• Do not open the cap when hot: The cooling system is under high pressure when hot. Never open the radiator or coolant reservoir cap while the engine is hot to avoid severe burns. 
• Check the level when cool: Once the engine has cooled down, check the coolant level in the reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank) and add coolant if it's below the "MIN" line. 
• Get it inspected: If you are constantly adding coolant, it indicates a leak. It is best to have a mechanic inspect the system to find and fix the problem before it causes major engine damage. 

Do you check the coolant level with an engine running?

When checking your coolant level, the first thing you need to know is you shouldn't check it if the engine is still hot. If your car has been running in a while, your engine, radiator, and reservoir become very hot and, you do not want to touch the reservoir cap or radiator hoses before they're completely cooled down.

How do you check the coolant in a Chevy Malibu?

To do this, locate your car's radiator. Opening up the radiator cap is not necessary to check your coolant level. Check the markings on the side of your radiator's reservoir to see if the coolant is at the “full” marking line. If it is, you're all good!