How To Add Engine Coolant
While your Ford or Lincoln Dealership is always the best place for maintaining your vehicle, it never hurts to know how to do a few things on your own.
Your engine coolant level should be checked about twice a year. Here’s how to top off your engine coolant between trips to the dealership.
- Be sure to consult your Owner Guide to determine the proper engine coolant to use – different engine types require different coolants
- Stay away from the radiator fan(s) – they may turn on automatically, even after the vehicle engine is off
- Never remove the reservoir cap or add fluid while the engine is running or hot. Let it cool down first. It’s a good idea to wrap a thick cloth around the cap before removing if you’re not sure it has had time to fully cool
- Do not use alcohol, methanol, brine or antifreeze
- Make sure your engine is off and cool
- Locate the engine coolant reservoir cap
- Slowly remove the cap – loosen it first and step back while the pressure releases, then remove it completely
- If the fluid level in the coolant recovery reservoir is below the cold fill range marked on the side, add a 50/50 mixture of Motorcraft® engine coolant and distilled water – do not add it directly to the radiator (Note: In an emergency, you can add straight water as long as you have it flushed and replace it with the proper mixture as soon as possible)
- Replace the cap and tighten it fully
- Fluid loss can cause major damage to the engine, so visit your local Ford or Lincoln Dealership as soon as possible for an engine check
Once you've added coolant, check it the next few times you drive to make sure the coolant level has not gotten lower. If the level drops, you might need a new hose, or it could be a sign of more serious problems.
That’s why you should always be sure to consult the Genuine Parts & Service experts at your local Ford or Lincoln Dealership. Their Ford Motor Company-trained technicians can identify the problem and take care of everything you need, all in one stop.
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