How To Check Coolant Level in Car Radiator

Engine overheat is the last thing you want to happen if you're on your way to a job interview or if you're on a road trip. However, there are several ways on how you could prevent your car's engine from overheating. One of the things you could do is to regularly check your car's coolant reservoir. The other thing you could do is to check the car radiator to see if it has enough coolant or water to prevent the engine from overheating.

Your car's engine generates heat as you drive, which will overheat if your car's cooling system, such as the radiator, doesn't have enough coolant. As what we've previously said, the engine coolant is responsible for keeping your car's engine at an optimal running temperature.

The engine coolant is a mixture of distilled water and antifreeze and it comes in several colors such as green, yellow, pink, red, or orange. It is ideal to check your car's radiator before you set off and drive. Checking your car's radiator is simple and easy, which is similar to inspecting the coolant level in your car's reservoir. The first thing you need to do is to make sure that your car's engine is not hot before you open the hood to check the radiator. The reason behind this is that if you open the radiator cap while the engine is hot, the pressure generated by the engine's hot temperature will come out, which could cause serious burn.

The next thing you need to do after ensuring that your car's engine is not hot is to open the radiator cap and turn it counterclockwise. Then, look into the radiator hole to check if there's enough coolant or liquid inside. An indication that your car's radiator has enough coolant is when the liquid is just below the cap and it covers the radiator tube. If you can't see any liquid, then you should add coolant accordingly.

You can also add a 50-50 mixture of water and coolant into the radiator. After adding and ensuring that your car's radiator has enough coolant, place the cap and close it by turning it clockwise. It's that easy. Regularly check your car's radiator to prevent the engine from overheating. If you own an older car, it is ideal to check it before you set off and drive.

Engine overheat is a hassle but, with simple regular maintenance such as checking the radiator could prevent it from happening.

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Toyota Motor with Woven by Toyota unveils AI lineup underpinning Woven City
    Toyota Motor with Woven by Toyota unveils AI lineup underpinning Woven City
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 29, 2026
  • VinFast logs 3,520 EV orders in one day in Vietnam— can PH replicate?
    VinFast logs 3,520 EV orders in one day in Vietnam— can PH replicate?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 28, 2026
  • Geely Auto Group showcases Galaxy Light, Lynk & Co. GT, Zeekr 8X at Auto China 2026
    Geely Auto Group showcases Galaxy Light, Lynk & Co. GT, Zeekr 8X at Auto China 2026
    Paulo Papa . Apr 28, 2026
  • 2026 MG4 debuts at Auto China 2026
    2026 MG4 debuts at Auto China 2026
    Paulo Papa . Apr 28, 2026
  • Toyota Boshoku showcases Lounze+ at Auto China 2026
    Toyota Boshoku showcases Lounze+ at Auto China 2026
    Paulo Papa . Apr 28, 2026
  • Here's 4 reasons why you should get the Geely EX5 EM-i
    Here's 4 reasons why you should get the Geely EX5 EM-i
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 28, 2026
  • 4 reasons the Geely Coolray fits the young pros
    4 reasons the Geely Coolray fits the young pros
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 23, 2026
  • Exploring the VinFast VF 6's pros, cons
    Exploring the VinFast VF 6's pros, cons
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 22, 2026
  • Check out the Radar RD6 Econ’s strengths, weaknesses
    Check out the Radar RD6 Econ’s strengths, weaknesses
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 22, 2026
  • GAC GS8 HEV vs. other hybrid mid-size SUVs
    GAC GS8 HEV vs. other hybrid mid-size SUVs
    Paulo Papa . Apr 17, 2026
  • Tips on how to prevent vehicle fires
    Tips on how to prevent vehicle fires
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 17, 2026
  • How to prepare your car for summer
    How to prepare your car for summer
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 11, 2026
  • Avoid road trip horror stories this 'Undas' with these tips
    Avoid road trip horror stories this 'Undas' with these tips
    Ruben Manahan IV . Oct 20, 2025
  • Here are ways to avoid road rage
    Here are ways to avoid road rage
    Paulo Papa . Sep 23, 2025
  • How well do you understand traffic signs?
    How well do you understand traffic signs?
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 09, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: VinFast VF 6 is a well-equipped urban warrior
    ELECTRIA: VinFast VF 6 is a well-equipped urban warrior
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 20, 2026
  • BYD DM-i lineup conquers Southern Luzon
    BYD DM-i lineup conquers Southern Luzon
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 10, 2026
  • Hyundai Creta Premium: balancing engaging drive,comfort
    Hyundai Creta Premium: balancing engaging drive,comfort
    Cesar Miguel . Feb 13, 2026
  • First drive: 4th-gen Changan CS55 Plus
    First drive: 4th-gen Changan CS55 Plus
    Paulo Papa . Feb 09, 2026
  • Changan CS15: small upgrades makes the difference
    Changan CS15: small upgrades makes the difference
    Cesar Miguel . Feb 06, 2026