This is probably going to be a really silly question...

[sebhaque]

I checked the fluids in my Impreza earlier and worryingly the coolant is really low (it's a bit below the LOW mark on the bottle). I checked it two weeks ago and it was fine - and the coolant is a slightly "rusty" brown colour (which I've been told can indicate something worrying). I'm a bit stuck as to what to do:

Should I just top it back up, let it run, and periodically check it (as I normally do)?

Should I drain it, refill and run it for a while and recheck the colour?

Or should I book it in for a checkup? The car's next major service isn't due for 7500 miles, although it is going in for an oil & filter change in 1500 miles.

Apologies if this shows my lack of car knowledge. But I'm not entirely sure what the best plan of course would be, and I'd rather not drop coolant in willy-nilly and potentially miss the signs of something important.

[308mate]

Dip the oil and check the colour and consistency of it. But its likley just a old/knackered rad core or elbow.

[JM]

I'd top it up before driving it again. Just water will do unless it takes a lot, i.e. over 1 litre.

What colour is the coolant normally, is it the pink/red stuff. That can look brown after a while.

[R1chardP]

sebhaque said:

I'd rather not drop coolant in willy-nilly

Not to worry, I have to do that with power steering fluid (although I don't usually top it up with coolant, makes the pump whine something rotten)

As you say, it is worth getting it seen to but so long as there is coolant there (even if it is leaking a bit) I think it's unlikely to do any damage, provided it isn't pissing out all over something sensitive - antifreeze does nothing to prolong the life of most materials.

Edited for "wit"

Edited by R1chardP on Friday 2nd July 16:00

Edited by R1chardP on Friday 2nd July 16:00

[Marf]

Is the actual coolant system low, or just the overflow tank?

In this kind of hot weather you'll want to make 100% sure that you have the correct coolant level.

[sebhaque]

Thanks for the advice chaps. The coolant is indeed the red stuff that's fairly common. Checked the oil and while it's a bit dark it's well within the limits. I wish cars had the mag plug system on aero engines when you can simply pull a plug out of an oil pipe to see how much sediment there is in it

I'll just keep the coolant topped up for now then. I haven't seen any warning lights on the car or anything, but I suppose I'm only looking at the recovery tank. The car will be due it's oil change in two or three weeks anyway and I haven't got any PH runs planned so I'll just support it for now. Thanks!

[WhoseGeneration]

Definitely get it checked, if you're not confident or knowledgeable enough to look at all the possibilities.
Usually that sort of coolant loss in a system had doesn't need regular topping up means some sort of problem, not all of which are immediately visible.

Edit, having seen your last post, one example is a leaking water pump, which can start as a slow leak but then fail completely with potentially big problems.

Edited by WhoseGeneration on Friday 2nd July 16:37

[bluetone]

Have you checked for 'mayo' inside the oil cap? Any bubbles coming up through the coolant tank when the engine is running (and hot)?

[bazking69]

Top it up and keep an eye on it.

The weather has been hot for the last few weeks. Some cars may use or lose nominal amounts of coolant.