engine coolant help

[blipblop]

I have a 2005 Scion tC and since the beginning I have done all the maintaining. My question is today I checked under the hood and my coolant is near the "low mark" there's like a full line and it's much closer to the low line. (The pink liquid that's near my windshield washer fluid)

This was when the car was cold. I drove it for about 15 minutes and checked again and the level went up maybe half an inch.

My question is this. the car has about 51k on it and does one regularly need to add coolant? Or is it only because of a leak that coolant is "low"? There has been no sign of the engine overheating or any lights or anything.

 

[woodie1]

Coolant does evaporate ever so slowly over time. If you have never flushed the cooling system you might want to consider doing that come spring time. As for your current situation, I would add nothing for now but do keep an eye on the coolant level.

 

[DonaldC]

When does your owner's manual say to flush the cooling system?

 

[blipblop]

My service manual for the car never specified a time to drain and flush... it just says it's super long life coolant... and the service internals it goes up to 120k and even then it just says inspect. Never does it say to flush it.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: blipblop
My service manual for the car never specified a time to drain and flush... it just says it's super long life coolant... and the service internals it goes up to 120k and even then it just says inspect. Never does it say to flush it.

Your car should be still under warranty.
Drive to your dealer and talk to the your service advisor.
If they think you need to add some coolant, usually they will fill it up for free.

 

[blipblop]

3 yr/36k I have 51k on mine already I'm just going to buy some frmo the dealership and do it myself. Thanks guys

 

[Vetterin]

For your car the first scheduled coolant flush is at 100,000 or 10 years and than every 50,000 miles. Your "low" line should be were the coolant is when the engine is cold and should go up to the full line when it is hot. If you are between these these lines I wouldn't worry. If you want to just add a small amount, (< quart) just fill with distilled water. FYI the antifreeze for the Scion runs around $20 a gal.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Originally posted by: blipblop
3 yr/36k I have 51k on mine already I'm just going to buy some frmo the dealership and do it myself. Thanks guys

Don't be afraid drive your car to dealership and ask service advisor even if it is out of warranty!

They wouldn't charge you until you sign on the dotted line.