How to Tell If Your Car’s Coolant Needs to Be Replaced
Since coolant contains chemical compounds, like ethylene or propylene glycol, along with a few additives, it isn’t a one-time fluid that can stay effective forever. As it ages, coolant can become contaminated, which loses its ability to protect your engine. Most drivers know how to check the coolant level, but not many are sure how to tell if the coolant itself is still in good condition or needs to be flushed. In fact, it’s a test many people assume only a technician can do, but with a few tools, you can check your coolant at home. It’s a great way to avoid unnecessary work or to double-check before heading to a local workshop. Follow along with our team at Bourgeois Ford North, and we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to show you how to test your car’s coolant at home and how to know when it’s time for a flush.
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How to Test Your Vehicle’s Coolant by Yourself
To help you save money and time, you can test your coolant at home and it’s way simpler than you might think. Before you start, you’ll need a few tools: a clean container, a pair of safety gloves, a coolant tester (also called a refractometer), which is available at most auto parts stores, and your vehicle’s owner’s manual for reference. Below is a guide on how to test your coolant yourself, step by step:
- Make sure the engine is cool. Please never, ever open the radiator cap when the engine is hot since the system is under pressure and can spray hot coolant. Wait until your car has completely cooled down.
- Locate the coolant reservoir. Open your hood and find the coolant reservoir. If you’re not sure, check your owner’s manual.
- Collect a coolant sample. Using your container, collect a small amount of coolant from the reservoir.
- Test the coolant. Use your coolant tester to check the fluid, as it usually measures the concentration. Please note that Ford Canada does not recommend using hydrometers or coolant test strips for this test.
- Read the result. Compare your results to the guidelines in your owner’s manual or the tester’s instructions.
What the Results Mean & What to Do Next
Ford recommends maintaining coolant concentration between 48% and 50%, which equates to a freeze point between -34 and -37 degrees. If the result isn’t within the recommended range, a flush should be in order. Along with testing the concentration, you’ll also need to perform a visual inspection of the coolant in the reservoir. Fresh coolant is usually bright in colour, and should look clear and free of particles. If the coolant looks murky, this is a strong sign that the coolant needs to be flushed.
Book Your Coolant Flush Service at Bourgeois Ford North
Coolant that’s past its prime won’t protect your engine the way it should, which can lead to several negative consequences, such as overheating, internal corrosion, and, in the worst-case scenario, a burned-out engine. If your test results show that the coolant is due for replacement, or if you’re just not sure, rather than taking chances, let our team at Bourgeois Ford North handle it for you. Use our online scheduler to book your coolant inspection or a full flush service, today.