Coolant diappearing and reappearing lower than usual.

Asked by Alphard_845 Jan 17, 2017 at 03:24 PM about the 2003 Chevrolet S-10 Extended Cab RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I fill up my coolant and notice it goes away in two days. It will then come
back but its not as full. IS there a leak somewhere? If not, how do I know
when to fill the coolant since it comes back.

I've had to refill my coolant 3 times this month. I do not drive far distances.
Only 15 min to work everyday.

2 Answers

3,905

You check the level with cold engine. When the engine is hot is normal to be under the level, but you will still see it. Do not open the coolant tank after the engine was on, thus hot, the coolant may spill over your hand and burn you. After the engine is hot, wait to cool and check the antifreeze level. Complete if necessary. That's it. If you have to add more in time, than it's a leak. Does your car exhaust smoke look whitish or smell sweet? If so, it's a problem with the headgasket. If not, try to find a leak if you refill with a lot of antifreeze (more tha 300ml - half a litter/1.5 months). Antifreeze leaks are not that hard to find, check the hoses on the radiator, or on the heater, or the engine and look for white/look-like-mineral deposits.

2 people found this helpful.
220,525

Check the coolant level the following morning after the engine has all cooled down. Coolant expands when it get hot so there is more coolant in the reservoir when the engine is at operating temperature. When the coolant level is low, then the engine has cooled down and it sucked in the coolant from the reservoir. Check and add as necessary when cold.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Andrew Olsen
    Reputation
    9,720
  • #2
    Robert Smith
    Reputation
    3,340
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,810
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
213 Great Deals out of 9,034 listings starting at $2,900
Used Chevrolet Colorado
29 Great Deals out of 1,136 listings starting at $9,950
Used Ford Ranger
19 Great Deals out of 533 listings starting at $6,500
Used Toyota Tacoma
43 Great Deals out of 682 listings starting at $9,975
Used GMC Sonoma
1 listing
Used Ford F-150
343 Great Deals out of 12,723 listings starting at $599
Used GMC Sierra 1500
188 Great Deals out of 8,956 listings starting at $1,000
Used Chevrolet Blazer
30 Great Deals out of 1,368 listings starting at $23,989
Used GMC Canyon
21 Great Deals out of 966 listings starting at $5,975
Used Dodge Dakota
22 listings starting at $6,500
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
34 Great Deals out of 1,782 listings starting at $1,000
Used Chevrolet Camaro
19 Great Deals out of 513 listings starting at $11,500
Used Nissan Frontier
13 Great Deals out of 572 listings starting at $9,850
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
18 Great Deals out of 859 listings starting at $9,980

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.