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.

thanks

 

Umm, hot water expands when heated. It is normal for the level to rise when the engine is hot. I believe this is covered in your owners manual as well.

 

hey, thanks for the reply. I guess I should be more specific about my question. When my engine is cold, it's near the low line. Should I worry? or should I add more coolant.

 

Do what your owners manual tells you to do.

 

checked and checked before I posted. Anyone else have more insight other than read the manual? Considering it says lifetime fluid, same with ATF. Just wondering what other opinions are. Thanks

 

Personally, I dont believe in lifetime fluids. I do a drain and fill on my radiator once per year, and I change my MT fluid every other year.

 

From the tC owners manual:

Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between
the “FULL” and “LOW” lines on the
see–through reservoir when the engine is
cold. See page 214 for additional information.

Radiator, condenser, and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and
condenser are clean and not blocked with
leaves, dirt or insects.

 

yea, i read that. I guess even if it's 1mm above the low line it's still okay for now. Thanks.

 

Just didnt comprehend it I guess.

 

Yea, I wasn't born here so that's probably why

I was just getting a bit concerned as coolant is a closed system and it shouldn't really be near the low line without having problems.

No need to make fun of someone that's asking questions. Someone else could have answer. But thank you nevertheless.

 

I dont think you need to be concerned, you justneed to fil it up. Use the pink toyota coolant, that coolant, is already mixed and ready to go. Its not lifetime coolent just for 100,000 miles.