How to Check Coolant Levels

Along with regularly checking your oil, keeping tabs on your Ford’s coolant levels is an important component of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. What is coolant? Coolant is a fluid that works to regulate the temperature of your Ford’s engine and prevents it from freezing below 32 degrees fahrenheit and overheating above 212 degrees Fahrenheit. We break down the steps on how to check coolant level in the guide below, along with answering the following questions:

• What should I look out for when checking coolant levels?
• When should I change my coolant?
• Do electric/hybrid cars use coolant?

The Steps: Checking Ford Coolant

Even if you’re not a DIY person, checking your coolant levels is actually pretty easy! Before getting started make sure you have a coolant or a coolant mix on hand. Consult your vehicle’s owner manual for the recommended type of coolant and mixture ratio. 

Here are the steps on how to check coolant levels on your Ford:

1. Park your car and turn your engine off. Make sure the engine is cooled.
2. Ford coolant is accessed through the hood. Pop the hood open.
3. Look for the coolant reservoir. This is often a clear plastic tank with markings, with “full”, and “minimum” indicators, which are found on the side of the reservoir.
4. If your Ford coolant is at the “full” marking line, you’re good to get back to the roads around Fayetteville. 
5. If your Ford coolant isn’t full, remove the radiator cap and add the coolant or a 50/50 mix of coolant/water. 

What to Look Out For When Changing Coolant

The next time you go to check your Ford coolant or to change it, there are a few things you should keep a lookout for. Coolant is thinner than oil, but is more viscous than water. If your coolant has a sludgy appearance, you need to schedule service ASAP. Sludgy coolant can be an indicator that your Ford has an internal gasket leak. Leaking gaskets quickly drain coolant. This is a major problem, because your engine is put at risk and can sustain severe damage without adequate coolant. 

When to Change Coolant

Just like oil, coolant levels diminish over time. A good rule of thumb is to check your coolant levels every three to six months. Coolant should be blue, green, yellow, or red. If your Ford coolant is brown or even colorless, it’s time to replace your coolant.

Do Electric Vehicles Use Coolant?

If you’ve recently brought home a new electric Ford, like the Ford Lightning or Mustang Mach-E, you may be wondering if EVs use coolant. While EVs don’t require oil, EVs still use coolant. Though, the coolant is used to cool off the battery pack and electric motors. But if your EV is new, you don’t have to worry about changing coolant levels often. Coolant levels for EVs don’t have to be replaced until after 150,000 miles, or 5 years.

Learn More Service Tips & Tricks With Superior Ford

Have any questions on how to change coolant levels? Our service team is happy to answer any of your questions. If you would rather have someone change your Ford coolant levels yourself, schedule a service appointment at our shop near Rogers, and we’ll take care of it for you! Contact us or give us a call at 479-599-2045 to get in touch with a service technician today.