Prep checklist
- • cold engine only
- • flashlight
- • gloves
- • paper towel for inspecting fluid color and residue
Step-by-step
- 1.Inspect the coolant reservoir level with the engine cold and compare it to the marked range.
- 2.Look around the radiator, hose connections, thermostat housing, and water pump zone for dried residue or wetness.
- 3.Squeeze older hoses gently to feel for softness, cracking, swelling, or brittle age.
- 4.Inspect the serpentine belt for glazing, cracking, fraying, and tensioner noise while the engine runs.
Common mistakes
- • opening the cooling system hot
- • topping off coolant forever without finding the leak
- • ignoring belt noise until the belt or tensioner fails outright
Stop here if
Stop if the engine is running hot already, the cooling system is pressurized and leaking, or the belt system is visibly failing.