How to Check Coolant Levels

Just like oil changes, changing your Ford coolant levels is crucial for maintaining the wellbeing of your vehicle. What is coolant, exactly? Coolant is the fluid that is responsible for regulating the temperature of your car’s engine. Whenever temperatures dip below freezing in Elmhurst, coolant works to keep your engine from freezing, as well as overheating when it’s up and running. In the following guide, the %%di_name service team goes over how to check coolant levels, what to look out for, and when to check them with Roesch Ford.

The Steps: Checking Ford Coolant

So, how do you check coolant levels? It’s actually a simple task that most Addison drivers can easily perform themselves. Before you dive into the steps, make sure you have the right coolant or coolant mixture on hand. You can consult your vehicle’s owner manual for this information or contact our service department.

Here are the steps on how to check coolant levels on your Ford:

1. Park your car and turn your engine off. Make sure the engine is completely cooled.
2. Pop the hood open to get to the coolant reservoir. 
3. Locate the coolant reservoir. This is often a clear plastic tank with markings, with “full”, and “minimum” indicators, which are found on the side of the reservoir.
4. If your Ford coolant is filled to the “full line, you’re good to get back on the roads in Addison
5. If your Ford coolant isn’t full, take off the radiator cap and add the coolant or a 50/50 mix of coolant/water. 

Things to Keep an Eye Out For

When changing your coolant levels, there are a few things you should be on the lookout for. Coolant is thinner than motor oil, but it’s thicker than water. If your Ford coolant looks like sludge, or has a sludgy appearance, schedule service as soon as possible. Sludgy coolant is a sign that your Ford has an internal gasket leak. Because coolant keeps the engine from overheating, this is a serious problem that needs to be taken care of quickly. If it isn’t addressed, your engine will overheat and sustain severe damage.

When to Change Coolant

Just like motor oil, coolant levels decrease over time. You should check your coolant levels every three to six months. Coolant should be blue, green, yellow, or red. If your Ford coolant is brown or even colorless, it’s time to replace your coolant.

Do Electric Vehicles Use Coolant?

What about electric vehicles like the Ford Lightning or Mustang Mach-E? Do they use coolant? While they require far less maintenance than gasoline-powered vehicles, yes, EVs use coolant. Coolant is used in EVs to cool off their battery packs and electric motors. But you don’t have to worry about this for a while if you have a new EV. EV coolant lasts for a very long time, and doesn’t have to be changed until after 150,000 miles, or 5 years. 

Learn More Service Tips & Tricks With Roesch Ford

Looking to have someone else take care of your Ford coolant for you? That’s what our service team is here for! Schedule your appointment at Roesch Ford, and we’ll change your coolant levels for you and get your Ford back up and running on Villa Park roads in no time.