2008-2016 Chevrolet Cruze - How to Check and Add Engine Coolant, by YOUCANIC on YouTube. 1 min 50 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 50 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Park on level ground and let the engine cool completely, at least 30 minutes, before you open the hood.
Find the coolant reservoir, the translucent plastic tank with a pressure cap near the front of the engine bay.
Check the cold level against the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the tank. It should sit between them.
Look at the coolant color. It should be bright orange or pink. Rusty, cloudy or oily coolant needs a flush.
If the level is low, unscrew the reservoir cap slowly and set it aside.
Push a funnel into the neck and pour premixed coolant in until the level reaches the MAX line. Do not overfill.
Refit the cap and tighten it fully until it clicks or stops turning.
Start the engine and let it idle with the heater on full hot for a few minutes while you watch the temperature gauge.
Switch off and let the engine cool again, then recheck the level and top up if it has dropped.
If the level keeps dropping, look for wet spots or stains under the car and have the system pressure tested.
Tips and common mistakes
Never open the reservoir cap on a hot engine, because scalding coolant can spray out.
Use premixed 50/50 coolant or mix concentrate with distilled water, not tap water.
Do not mix different coolant types, as the additives can react and form sludge.
White steam or a sweet syrup smell from the engine bay usually means a leak, so stop driving and check it.
Questions
What coolant does a Chevrolet Cruze take?
The 1.4L engine uses Dex-Cool style orange coolant. Buy a premixed 50/50 version so you do not have to measure water.
Can I drive with the coolant below the MIN mark?
Only a short distance to get coolant. Low coolant can lead to overheating and expensive engine damage.
How often should I check the coolant?
Check it once a month and before long trips. Look at the level and the color each time the engine is cold.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
