How to Test Your Vehicle’s Coolant System

Most drivers know how to check their coolant level, but few ever stop to think about the condition or quality of that coolant. Is it still doing its job? Is it clean? Is it protecting your engine the way it should? You’re probably reading this because you’re wondering, “How do I know if I need a full coolant flush?” Although it’s definitely a task many people leave to the pros, the fact is, with the right tools and a bit of guidance, you can test your coolant at home. Follow along with our team at Bourgeois Motors Ford below, and we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to test your car’s coolant yourself.

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What is Coolant?

If you think coolant is only there to cool the engine, you’re missing part of the story. Sure, coolant helps stop your engine from overheating in the summer, but it also prevents freezing in cold weather, which is why it’s also called “antifreeze.” In simpler words, it’s the liquid that flows through your engine to help regulate its temperature. On top of that, it also protects your engine’s internal components from corrosion caused by electrolysis. However, coolant doesn’t only contain water. Most coolants are made from a mix of water and chemical compounds like ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, along with a few additives. So, as it ages, coolant can lose its effectiveness, which will easily snowball into several serious issues.

Why You Need to Test Your Car’s Coolant

Simply having coolant at the right level isn’t enough to make sure your engine is protected, because coolant can break down or gradually become contaminated with dirt and debris. When that happens, it no longer regulates your engine’s temperature or offers the same protection from corrosion. Testing your coolant tells you if the fluid still has the correct freezing and boiling points, and whether or not it still has the ability to prevent corrosion. If left unchecked, the results are predictable, such as overheating, parts wearing, or worse, a full engine failure.

How to Test Your Car’s Coolant at Home

To save yourself money and an unexpected trip to the dealership, it’s a smart idea to keep an eye on your coolant, and yes, you can actually test it at home. Below, our service team has listed a few simple steps you can follow to check your car’s coolant right in your own driveway:

1. Let your engine cool down. Opening the radiator cap too soon can release dangerous steam. You don’t want to burn yourself, so always make sure the engine has fully cooled.
2. Locate the coolant reservoir. Open the hood and locate the coolant reservoir, usually a translucent plastic container with “min” and “max” level markings.
3. Start with a few visual checks. See if the coolant level falls between the minimum and maximum lines. Then inspect the fluid’s appearance, as contaminated coolant may appear muddy.
4. Use a coolant tester. You can pick up an inexpensive coolant tester at most auto parts stores, such as a refractometer or test strips.
5. Top off or replace. If the coolant is low, top it off using the exact type recommended for your vehicle. If your test results show that the function of coolant is weak, a full coolant flush is in order.

Book Your Coolant Check At Bourgeois Motors Ford

If you’re still not sure about testing your coolant yourself, have found an issue and need a full flush, or recently bought a used car and want to make sure everything’s in good shape, our service team at Bourgeois Motors Ford is always available to help. Unlike those cheaper testers you find at auto stores, we use professional-grade tools to accurately assess your coolant’s condition, along with additional cooling system health checks like a pressure test to detect leaks and ensure your radiator and hoses are functioning properly. So, why wait? Book your service appointment by using our online form, giving us a call at (705) 526-2278, or just simply stop by our service centre at 281 Cranston Crescent in Midland.