Can I Top Off my Coolant?
Posted October 25, 2016
When you notice low levels of coolant, do not simply “top off” the coolant and ignore it. Bring your vehicle into AM-PM Automotive Repair for a cooling system inspection.
Topping off fluids can have more negative impact than positive. There are two primary reasons:
1 – Leak. If the coolant level in your vehicle is low, it usually indicates a leak. Coolant is not “used up” during the normal operation of your vehicle. Rather, the fluid continually flows through the cooling system to keep your engine at the appropriate temperature.
Topping off coolant ignores the root cause of the problem. Fluid will continue to leak, meaning you’ll have to continue to top off the coolant to stay ahead of the leak. Leaking coolant leaves you at a higher risk for an overheating engine.
Don’t ignore the warning sign! Have our certified technicians inspect your cooling system to find and fix the leak. This will help you avoid larger problems and keep the engine running cool and calm!
2 – Contaminants. Coolant flows through the cooling system continuously while your vehicle is running. As it flows, it can collect dust, debris, and contaminants and carry them through the engine. If these are not removed, they can cause significant damage to the sensitive components of the cooling system and your vehicle’s engine.
When you check your coolant fluid when your car is off, you may not notice this problem. Contaminants settle at the bottom while your engine is off. As soon as you turn your car on, they will become mixed with the rest of the fluid and carried through the engine.
Instead of topping off coolant, bring your vehicle to AM-PM Automotive Repair for a cooling system flush. Our auto repair technicians will completely remove the fluid, along with all contaminants, from the system and replace it with fresh coolant. If the level is low or there is a sign of a leak, we will inspect the system to identify the source of the problem and fix it.
To schedule your coolant flush or cooling system inspection and make sure your antifreeze is ready for winter, stop by AM-PM Automotive Repair in White Bear Lake or call our auto repair shop at 651-426-0462.