“The other day, while driving a Hino truck on Nguyen Van Linh Street to deliver it to a customer in District 7, I suddenly noticed the engine temperature gauge spike. Soon, smoke billowed from the car, and a burning smell filled the air. It turned out the coolant was low! Luckily, a nearby mechanic helped me out; otherwise, the car would have been damaged, and I would have missed the customer’s deadline.” – Mr. Tuan, a long-time truck driver in Hanoi, shared.
Mr. Tuan’s story highlights the importance of adding coolant to your car, especially for trucks that frequently carry heavy loads and travel long distances. So how do you add coolant correctly? This article will provide a detailed guide.
What is Car Coolant? The Role of Coolant
Coolant is a fluid that absorbs heat from the engine, helping it operate at a stable temperature and preventing overheating.
Functions of Coolant:
- Reduces engine temperature: Prevents overheating, ensuring stable engine operation and extending its lifespan.
- Protects the cooling system: Prevents corrosion, freezing, and the formation of deposits within the system.
- Enhances engine performance: An engine operating at the ideal temperature performs at its best.
Steps to Correctly Add Coolant to Your Car
1. Inspection and Preparation
- Check the coolant level: Ensure the engine has completely cooled down. Open the hood and inspect the coolant reservoir, which usually has minimum and maximum level markings.
- Choose the right type of coolant: Refer to your car’s owner’s manual or consult a specialist to select the appropriate coolant for your vehicle. > “Using the correct type of coolant is crucial for ensuring efficient operation and extending the lifespan of the cooling system.” – Mr. Minh, an automotive technician at Tien Phat Auto Repair Shop, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.
2. Adding Coolant
- Open the coolant reservoir cap (when the engine is cold): Open the cap slowly to release pressure within the reservoir.
- Add coolant: Pour coolant slowly into the reservoir until it reaches the “Full” mark or falls between the “Min” and “Max” lines.
- Close the coolant reservoir cap: Tighten the cap securely.
3. Recheck After Adding Coolant
- Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes.
- Recheck the coolant level and add more if necessary.
Car Coolant Price List
| Coolant Type |
Volume |
Estimated Price |
| Honda Premium Car Engine Coolant |
1 liter |
150,000 VND |
| Total Coolant Long Life |
2 liters |
200,000 VND |
| Toyota Premium Car Engine Coolant |
4 liters |
300,000 VND |
Note: Prices may vary depending on the time and location of purchase.
Important Notes When Adding Coolant to Your Car
- Do not add coolant when the engine is hot: Coolant is very hot when the engine is running and can cause burns.
- Use a funnel when adding coolant: This prevents spills that could affect other car parts.
- Check regularly: Check the coolant level frequently, especially before long trips.
- Replace coolant periodically: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for coolant replacement intervals, typically every 20,000 – 40,000 km or 2-3 years of use.
Adding coolant to a car
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Coolant
1. Should I use distilled water or specialized coolant?
It is recommended to use specialized coolant as it contains additives that prevent corrosion, freezing, and enhance cooling performance.
2. How often should car coolant be changed?
Coolant should be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually every 20,000 – 40,000 km or 2-3 years of use.
3. What color coolant is best?
The color of the coolant does not reflect its quality; each manufacturer uses different colors.
Where to Buy Reliable Car Coolant in Hanoi?
You can purchase car coolant at reputable auto parts stores and car dealerships in Hanoi, such as:
- XE TẢI HÀ NỘI: With a network of stores throughout districts like Cau Giay, Thanh Xuan, Long Bien, etc., XE TẢI HÀ NỘI offers a wide range of genuine coolants, ensuring quality.
- Reputable auto repair shops in Hanoi.
Other Car Care Products
In addition to coolant, XE TẢI HÀ NỘI also offers a variety of other car care products, such as:
Checking car coolant
Conclusion
Adding coolant to your car correctly is essential for ensuring stable operation and longevity. We hope this article has provided you with useful information. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below or contact XE TẢI HÀ NỘI for detailed advice.