Checking coolant levels weekly?

[Linda z.]

Is it necessary to check coolant levels weekly with a 2.0? It seems that folks have spoken about disappearing coolant without detecting any leaks. Forgive my questions. New to the car and trying to learn some preventive maintenance.

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[ParadigmDawg]

Is it necessary to check coolant levels weekly with a 2.0? It seems that folks have spoken about disappearing coolant without detecting any leaks. Forgive my questions. New to the car and trying to learn some preventive maintenance.

I check mine before any big road trip and before and after an offroad trip.

My wife checks hers when it goes to the shop for routine maintenance.

Depends on who you are and what you do.

 

[TrailMax]

"Old school" was to check fluid levels when you stopped for fuel. Unless you have a big problem, that's overkill but it doesn't hurt anything and lets you keep on top of things.

 

[roaniecowpony]

I would recommend you check it before you're going somewhere remote or a long trip. Some people live in areas where the climate can be life threatening at times. That would drive a more frequent check interval. If that's the case, you should develop a checklist of other vehicle checks to go along with the coolant check. If you drive a lot of miles, that check should be more frequent. 1000 miles/once a month is not unreasonable if no extreme circumstances.

 

[NWJeepr]

Would be nice if we had a translucent coolant recovery bottle instead of an opaque bottle with a dipstick. God dammit, Stella.

I second the the advice to check before any trips. Every gas fill up isn't unreasonable, but you'll probably reach a level of comfort after a while if the level is maintaining.

 

[ABRubi]

The coolant lid has to be removed to check, so make sure the engine has cooled completely.

 

[Linda z.]

I would recommend you check it before you're going somewhere remote or a long trip. Some people live in areas where the climate can be life threatening at times. That would drive a more frequent check interval. If that's the case, you should develop a checklist of other vehicle checks to go along with the coolant check. If you drive a lot of miles, that check should be more frequent. 1000 miles/once a month is not unreasonable if no extreme circumstances.

The coolant goes directly into the black container correct?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Would be nice if we had a translucent coolant recovery bottle instead of an opaque bottle with a dipstick. God dammit, Stella.

I second the the advice to check before any trips. Every gas fill up isn't unreasonable, but you'll probably reach a level of comfort after a while if the level is maintaining.

The coolant overflow is opaque if you buy a 392. I know and easy way to change yours to opaque.

 

[58Willys]

It certainly doesn’t hurt to do a weekly check of things. Check coolant level, quick glance under the vehicle for other leaks and/or anomalies, check tires, check oil level, etc… I believe to properly check the 2.0 oil level, it’s done hot after sitting 5 min., but you can let it cool and note the difference, then do a quick cold check, just pull dipstick, check, and stick it back in; oil will have drained off so no need to wipe it off first.

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