#RADIATOR CHECK HOW TO#
#RADIATOR CHECK MANUAL#
#RADIATOR CHECK SKIN#

Step 1 - Drain the system: Once your engine is cool, put on protective gloves and goggles and open the radiator drain tap, or disconnect the bottom hose.

If it has been a while since you completely replaced your antifreeze, or if you've never done it, then you'll need to renew your antifreeze rather than replace it. Refit the cap tightly afterwards and mop up any spills. DO NOT overfill, as this could damage the entire cooling system when the antifreeze gets hot.

You can use clean tap water in an emergency, but antifreeze should be added as soon as possible. If your coolant level is too low (below or near the lower mark), top it up using a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze (for normal driving conditions), or pour pre-mixed antifreeze straight into the reservoir. With the engine cold, the coolant level should be between the two marks. Most cars have a coolant reservoir with minimum and maximum level marks. Try to keep coolant away from your car's bodywork too, as it can be corrosive to paint and plastics. If you manage to swallow coolant or get any in your eyes, seek medical attention immediately.

#RADIATOR CHECK SKIN#

If you get any coolant on your skin at any point, wash it off immediately, as it is both corrosive and detrimental to health. Unscrew it slowly to allow pressure to escape, keeping pressure down on the cap as you turn. Once the engine has cooled (leave several hours), put on some protective goggles and a pair of protective gloves and place a rag or cloth over the cap. Never undo the coolant filler cap while the engine is hot, as the system may still be under pressure and boiling coolant may spray from the filling tube, causing severe burns or scalding. Shop Antifreeze Online Important safety warnings We also stock a variety of other cooling products and replacement cooling and ventilation parts if you're overhauling your vehicle's cooling system entirely. If you aren't sure which antifreeze you need, check out our selection of coolant and antifreeze products online. Clean water, ideally boiled (not needed for pre-mixed coolant).

#RADIATOR CHECK MANUAL#

Coolant (antifreeze) suitable for your vehicle and weather conditions (check your vehicle handbook or Haynes manual for details or ask a member of staff at Halfords/check online).

Here's a quick guide to topping up antifreeze so your car's temperature gauge won't be constantly in the red.

#RADIATOR CHECK HOW TO#

How to stop car overheatingĪlthough there are lots of quick fixes to cool your engine down, the only safe and long-term solution is to top up or replace your antifreeze. It's best to get a mechanic to check this over as leaks can get worse, so head to a Halfords store as soon as you can if your car's temperature gauge keeps going above normal levels even after you've topped up your antifreeze. If your car is constantly overheating, then you may have a leak in your cooling system.

Steam or water vapour escaping from engine bay in extreme cases.

Engine fan running at maximum capacity (it will be very loud).

Visible or audible warning on the dashboard that shows the temperature gauge going above the normal running temperature.

Stop driving immediately and either top up your coolant, or head to your nearest Halfords and we'll do it for you. If you notice any of the following, then your car may be overheating. Extra care needs to be taken in the summer months, especially if it's a hot day, so make sure you check your coolant levels before the start of the summer. Over time, this can create problems, meaning you'll be paying much more than the cost of a new bottle of coolant.Īntifreeze should be replaced every 3-5 years depending on how often and how far you drive your car, its age, and the temperature of where you usually drive.

Antifreeze does this by picking up some of the engine's excess heat and moving it away from hot areas, helping to maintain a manageable temperature that won't cause long-term damage.Īs antifreeze degrades over time, its effectiveness naturally reduces, meaning your engine won't be able to stay cool as efficiently. It’s a liquid that moves around various areas of your engine, helping dissipate some of the heat created by fuel being burned and moving parts working together to create friction. If your engine gets too hot, it can cause expensive damage, so it's critical to ensure that your car has enough coolant.Įngine coolant is often called antifreeze due to its additional properties that mean it won't freeze in low temperatures. Heat is handy for keeping your car warm in the winter months, but it's important to manage the exposure that the rest of your car's components have to high temperatures.Īs the cost of living continues to increase, we’re all trying to avoid unexpected bills. Thanks to the hard work that your car engine does burning fuel, heat becomes a by product of driving.

Radiator check