Coolant level / service query

lunacity

While doing a routine under-the-bonnet check (oil dipstick etc) the other day, I noticed my coolant level was on the MIN line.

My car (2018 Ford Fiesta) is due its first service (18,000m) in 11 days time (almost 2 working weeks worth of driving). Should I wait until then and get the garage to top it up, or should I buy some antifreeze immediately and do it myself (seems a bit of a waste of money)?

The vehicle is otherwise asymptomatic - engine temp seems fine, slightly below the midway point of the dial where is normally sits. Oil life warning is at "3%" , but that will be done at the service.

And (obviously not legally binding) advice appreciated, thanks!

Ebe_Scrooge

I'd get it topped up now. If it's on the Minimum line, rather than below it, then it's not the end of the world, but it's wise to keep it topped up to the correct level. Just make sure you use the correct type of antifreeze, and the correct ratio of antifreeze to water (this will be detailed in the owner's handbook).

<Actually, "antifreeze" is a misnomer, the correct fluid also prevents corrosion, it's not just for winter use>.

I'd be more concerned about where the fluid has gone, though. Under normal conditions, you shouldn't be losing coolant. I'd ask the garage to take a look for you. It sounds like you've got a small, rather than catastrophic leak, but it wants looking at. It could well be something as simple as a hose clip that needs tightening, but it needs sorting whatever the cause. If it is a leaking hose joint, you can often spot it fairly easily - you'll often see kind of a white powdery deposit forming around the connection.

AdrianC

If it's at or above minimum, it's within the acceptable range. Modern temp gauges are ECU controlled - they don't tell you anything about the actual temp except for "cold/normal/hot" - they don't move around as the temp itself does within normal bounds, they're glued rigidly to the centre mark at all times the temp is vaguely normal.

If you're worried, top it up with a little neat tap water - it won't dilute it much. But the coolant won't be due for a change at the first service anyway, although they should check the level and top it up for you - chargeable, of course.

Perhaps the bigger question is why it's low. Is it simply that it was cold? Or was it a little low from the factory? Or is there the start of a leak somewhere?

(And a big "Well done, you" on actually doing your checks!)

Alfrescodave

Decision whether to top up or not is iffected by how many miles you think you might do before next service; pottering around town or several hours on motorway.
Safest option keep a close eye on level until service and mention it to garage

Norman_Castle

How often do you check it and how has it changed since the last check?
If you think its dropped recently check it daily to find out if it is loosing coolant.

lunacity

AdrianC wrote: »

If it's at or above minimum, it's within the acceptable range. Modern temp gauges are ECU controlled - they don't tell you anything about the actual temp except for "cold/normal/hot" - they don't move around as the temp itself does within normal bounds, they're glued rigidly to the centre mark at all times the temp is vaguely normal.

If you're worried, top it up with a little neat tap water - it won't dilute it much. But the coolant won't be due for a change at the first service anyway, although they should check the level and top it up for you - chargeable, of course.

Perhaps the bigger question is why it's low. Is it simply that it was cold? Or was it a little low from the factory? Or is there the start of a leak somewhere?

(And a big "Well done, you" on actually doing your checks!)

Thanks. Not sure why it is low - the weather is cold (3-6C) and the engine off >8 hours when I've checked it on flat ground. I'll ask the service team to check for a leak.

lunacity

Alfrescodave wrote: »

Decision whether to top up or not is iffected by how many miles you think you might do before next service; pottering around town or several hours on motorway.
Safest option keep a close eye on level until service and mention it to garage

I'll be driving to and from work (about 18 miles each way), so about 320 miles until the service? Do you reckon this will be alright if I check it daily?

lunacity

Norman_Castle wrote: »

How often do you check it and how has it changed since the last check?
If you think its dropped recently check it daily to find out if it is loosing coolant.

Every couple of months tbh, I think it was a little way above the MIN line at the last check, perhaps not quite at the half way point.

lunacity

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

I'd get it topped up now. If it's on the Minimum line, rather than below it, then it's not the end of the world, but it's wise to keep it topped up to the correct level. Just make sure you use the correct type of antifreeze, and the correct ratio of antifreeze to water (this will be detailed in the owner's handbook).

<Actually, "antifreeze" is a misnomer, the correct fluid also prevents corrosion, it's not just for winter use>.

I'd be more concerned about where the fluid has gone, though. Under normal conditions, you shouldn't be losing coolant. I'd ask the garage to take a look for you. It sounds like you've got a small, rather than catastrophic leak, but it wants looking at. It could well be something as simple as a hose clip that needs tightening, but it needs sorting whatever the cause. If it is a leaking hose joint, you can often spot it fairly easily - you'll often see kind of a white powdery deposit forming around the connection.

Thanks - if its just a little bit to top up to get it above the min line until the service, could I get away with a splash of tap water or should it be 50% antifreeze / anti fluid corrosion fluid all the way?

Ebe_Scrooge

lunacity wrote: »

Thanks - if its just a little bit to top up to get it above the min line until the service, could I get away with a splash of tap water or should it be 50% antifreeze / anti fluid corrosion fluid all the way?

The purists would say always use the correct mixture. Realistically - and if it were me - tap water will be fine. If it's only half a pint or so, you'll not be diluting the mixture to any noticeable degree.

oldagetraveller

"My car (2018 Ford Fiesta) is due its first service (18,000m) in 11 days time"
That's when I would be telling them about the coolant loss and request they carry out a pressure test on the system.
It is a 2018 car and depending on if the level was ever at maximum, which should have been duly noted when the last checks were carried out, loss of coolant to this extent is not acceptable or normal.
As a comparison, my nearly 6 years old car has needed one very small top up, from just below max. to max., about three years ago.