Checking Coolant in a Chevy Sonic
To check the coolant level in a Chevy Sonic, you can follow these steps:
1. Locate the Coolant Reservoir: The coolant reservoir in a Chevy Sonic is where you can check the coolant level. It should be maintained at the level of the arrow, which is very near the seam of the tank when checked cold.
2. Check the Coolant Level: Open the hood and find the coolant reservoir. Clean it and determine the coolant level. The level should be at the indicated level mark. If the coolant level is not at the indicated level mark, you can add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank pressure cap, is cool before doing so.
3. Add Coolant: If the coolant level is low, you can add engine coolant/antifreeze. Only add the coolant type recommended by Chevrolet. In an emergency, it is okay to use any color coolant, but it is recommended that the system be flushed and filled with the recommended Chevrolet coolant when possible.
4. Replace Cap and Secure Reservoir: After adding coolant, replace and secure the coolant reservoir cap.
It’s important to note that the coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture. Using only plain water or the wrong mixture can lead to the engine getting too hot without triggering the overheat warning, potentially causing serious damage.
Remember to always check the coolant level when the engine is cool to the touch for an accurate reading.
I hope this helps you with checking the coolant level in your Chevy Sonic! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
Contents
- What happens if I drive with low coolant?
- What coolant does Chevy Sonic use?
- Should I put coolant in my radiator or reservoir?
- Does Chevy use special coolant?
- How do you check coolant levels on a Chevy Sonic?
- Does the car need to be running when adding coolant?
- What happens if coolant is low in car?
- What color coolant does a Chevy Sonic take?
- Where do you put coolant in a 2015 Chevy Sonic?
- How do I know if coolant is low?
What happens if I drive with low coolant?
Coolant helps pull heat away from the engine. So, without enough coolant, the engine could overheat or seize up. Continued use of an overheated engine could lead to permanent damage, such as pistons welding to the cylinders.
What coolant does Chevy Sonic use?
Prestone® DEX-COOL® (orange) antifreeze+coolant (AFC) is specially designed to work with All GM® vehicles 1995 & newer; ‘GM approved formula’ (GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Saturn, Oldsmobile, Hummer), most Ford® vehicles 2011 – 2018 (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury) and most FCA® vehicles 2013 & newer (Ram, Dodge, …
Should I put coolant in my radiator or reservoir?
Remove the cap completely. If the coolant level is low, add the correct coolant to the reservoir (not the radiator itself). You can use diluted coolant by itself, or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated coolant and distilled water. When coolant rises to the cold fill line, replace cap and tighten it until you feel it click.
Does Chevy use special coolant?
Every vehicle manufacturer, including Chevrolet has developed its own coolant or requires a conspicuous coolant that is unique to particular years and models. There are many colors of coolants to help distinguish each including yellow, red, green, blue, purple and orange.
How do you check coolant levels on a Chevy Sonic?
Check the markings on the side of your radiator’s reservoir to see if the coolant is at the “full” marking line. If it is, you’re all good! If your levels are low, open up the radiator cap. Take the proper coolant, or a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water, and add it to the radiator.
Does the car need to be running when adding coolant?
Never add coolant to a vehicle unless the engine is off, and the temperature of the coolant has dropped considerably. Otherwise, if you take off the radiator/coolant reservoir cap, you may scald yourself with freshly boiling coolant.
What happens if coolant is low in car?
Driving with low engine coolant can also result in a water pump malfunction. The water pump loses lubrication with insufficient levels of coolant. This increases the risk of water pump failure. A faulty water pump failure cannot move the coolant through the engine and radiation causes the engine to overheat.
What color coolant does a Chevy Sonic take?
What color coolant does Chevrolet Sonic use? It’s vital to understand that color doesn’t matter. While most Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants are usually orange, yellow, red or purple, Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolants are orange and yellow.
Where do you put coolant in a 2015 Chevy Sonic?
The surge tank until it meets the minimum water level and be careful not to overfill the tank. Alternatively. You can buy premix radiator coolant at your dealership.
How do I know if coolant is low?
On the side of the reservoir, it has an L(low) and F(full) markings, and as the tank is translucent, you can see your coolant level without opening the cap. If the fluid is close to or below the L marking then you need to add more coolant to the reservoir.