How to Safely Test & Check Your Car’s Coolant Condition in Your Driveway
Coolant, sometimes called antifreeze, helps regulate your engine’s temperature by absorbing and dissipating heat. But like other vehicle fluids, coolant can gradually break down and eventually lose its ability to protect your engine. So, how can you tell if it’s still in good condition and doing its job? What many don’t realize is that you can actually test it yourself at home. To avoid unnecessary trips to the shop and to save your wallet, continue reading with our team at Bourgeois Midland Nissan as we walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to check your car’s coolant to see whether it needs a full flush or just a simple top-off.
Other Nissan services you may also be interested in: Oil Change, Brakes, Wheel Alignment, Tire Change, Drivetrain Maintenance.
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What You’ll Need to Test Coolant
Testing your coolant at home doesn’t require a mechanic’s toolkit, but to do it properly, you’ll need a few basic tools. Before you get started, make sure you have got the following on hand:
- Owner’s manual
- Clean container
- Gloves & safety glasses
- Rag or paper towels
- Coolant tester (This could be a hydrometer, refractometer, or test strips, all of which are usually available at most auto parts stores)
Step-by-Step Guide to Testing Your Coolant at Home
- Let the engine cool completely. First things first, make sure your engine is completely cool before you do anything. If it’s even a little warm, give it more time. Popping open the radiator cap while it’s hot can spray hot coolant, and that’s definitely not how you want to spend your day.
- Find the radiator. Open up your hood and locate the radiator cap and the coolant reservoir. If you’re not 100% sure what you’re looking for, your owner’s manual will point you in the right direction.
- Suit up for safety. Wear a pair of gloves and safety glasses. Coolant isn’t friendly to your skin or eyes, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Use your coolant tester. Depending on what you have, grab a sample from the radiator. If you’re using a hydrometer, you’ll be looking at the floating balls. For test strips, just dip and compare the colour.
- Check the result. Now, check what the tester says by comparing the results to the guidelines in the tester’s instructions.
What Your Coolant Test Tells You & How to Respond
Nissan recommends replacing your coolant for the first time around 16,800 km or 84 months, and then every 120,000 km or 60 months after that. So, if your coolant is past those milestones, it’s a good idea to get it checked or flushed. When testing, the goal is to have a proper mixture of about 50% antifreeze and 50% distilled or demineralized water. This 50% concentration is key to keeping your engine protected from freezing, overheating, and corrosion. If your test shows the concentration is too low or too high, a coolant flush should be in order. Moreover, while you’re at it, don’t forget to give your coolant a visual check. Fresh coolant usually looks clear, often with a green, orange, or pink colour. If it looks rusty or has particles floating around, that’s another sign a flush is overdue. Side note: If your coolant is just a little low, be sure to use only genuine Nissan Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) to get the best performance.
Book Your Coolant Services at Bourgeois Midland Nissan
When your coolant test shows it’s time for a full flush, or if you notice signs of overheating or discolouration and aren’t sure what to do, our service team at Bourgeois Midland Nissan is always here to help. Unlike the cheap testers you find at automotive stores, we use professional-grade equipment that gives a more precise assessment of your coolant’s quality. Whenever you’re ready, you can fill out our online form, give us a call at 705-540-8010, or drop by our Nissan service centre in Midland to book your coolant inspection or flush service. Our team is more than happy to handle the hard work for you!