How to Check Coolant Levels

You should change the coolant in your vehicle about every 30,000 miles. If you keep up with your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, coolant flush service will be included at your regular service appointments. But what is coolant, and how should you go about checking the coolant level in your Ford vehicle? Get the details in this guide from the service center at Porcaro Ford.

What is Coolant?

So, what is coolant designed to do? Also known as antifreeze, coolant moves throughout your engine block and parts to maintain a safe operating temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit or below. It is comprised of mainly ethylene glycol or propylene, water, and some lubricating additives.

How to Check the Coolant Level in Your Vehicle

About every six months, check to make sure that the coolant level reaches the mark on the side of the coolant reservoir. Don’t worry if you notice that the level is slowly getting lower in your Ford—coolant levels naturally deplete as time goes by. You should only be concerned about a rapid drop in the level, as that could indicate a leak.

To add coolant, remove the radiator cap and add the coolant or a 50/50 mix of coolant/water. Some coolants are concentrated and must be mixed 50/50 with water, while others come pre-mixed.

When to Change Your Ford’s Coolant

Along with knowing how to check the coolant level, you need to know how to tell when your car’s coolant is old and needs to be replaced. Coolant may be blue, green, yellow, or red—but it should never look brown or colorless. If it does, flush the system and replace it with fresh coolant. Coolant should be more viscous than water, but thinner than oil. Coolant that appears thick and sludgy may indicate a gasket leak, which should be rectified by a technician ASAP to avoid damage to the engine. If you do a lot of driving on dusty roads in Mount Pleasant or Kenosha, it’s a good idea to check coolant levels and schedule service more often than normal.

Looking for the product that’s best for your Ford? Coolant sold at our parts center is high-quality and recommended by our factory-trained technicians, who are happy to assist you with finding the proper automotive liquids for your vehicle.

Schedule Professional Auto Maintenance at Porcaro Ford of Racine 

Our team is always here for you with expert car-care assistance! Contact our service center to speak with a technician about how to check the coolant level or perform other DIY auto maintenance tasks. We’ve located just a short drive from Kenosha and Caledonia, so we hope you’ll rely on us for your next routine maintenance appointment. Don’t forget to check out our current service specials to save on Ford coolant flushes, oil changes, and more!