Coolant check in Exeter
Professional coolant check services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
15 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Coolant level checked and topped up with the correct antifreeze mix. A 15-minute job that prevents expensive overheating damage to your engine.
Small Check, Big Consequences
Running low on coolant is one of those small problems that becomes massive if you ignore it. Engine overheats. Cylinder head warps. Head gasket fails. Suddenly you're looking at thousands in repairs, all because you were half a litre low.
💡 Pro tip: Modern engines run hot. They need proper coolant at the right level. "I'll sort it at the weekend" often becomes "my engine's overheated on the motorway."
What Gets Checked
| Check | What I Look For |
|---|---|
| Level | Coolant between min/max marks on expansion tank |
| Condition | Right colour, no contamination, no rust particles |
| Type | Correct antifreeze for your vehicle (colours matter) |
| Leaks | Quick visual of hoses, connections, under engine |
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Engine cold before opening system | Opening hot system, coolant sprays everywhere |
| Correct coolant type and mix | Random antifreeze, wrong concentration |
| Filled to proper level | Overfilled or still low |
| System checked for leaks | Topped up without finding why it's low |
Pricing
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant check & top-up | 15 mins | £60 |
| Multiple vehicle checks | 1 hr | £60 |
£60 minimum covers first hour including travel. Add other quick jobs to the visit - bulbs, wipers, washer fluid, etc.
Perfect For...
✅ Dash warning light - low coolant indicator showing
✅ Regular maintenance - you check it yourself but want it done properly
✅ Before long journey - peace of mind everything's topped up
✅ Winter prep - make sure you've got proper antifreeze protection
Why Choose Us for Coolant check in Exeter?
Coolant level checked and topped up
Prevents expensive overheating damage
Right coolant type for your vehicle
Quick visual check for leaks
What to Expect
Step 1: Engine Cool Check
I make sure your engine is cold (never open a hot cooling system - it's under pressure). Then check the expansion tank level against the min/max marks.
Step 2: Top Up If Needed
If it's low, I add the correct type of coolant for your vehicle (different engines need different types - the colour coding matters). Mix ratio depends on how much you need.
Step 3: Quick Visual Inspection
While I'm there, I do a quick look for obvious leaks - hoses, connections, radiator, under the engine. If I spot something, I'll let you know so you can book it into a garage.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to check your own coolant? It's actually one of the easier vehicle maintenance tasks:
🔧 What you'll need
- Your vehicle handbook (tells you coolant type)
- Correct coolant/antifreeze (don't mix different types)
- Funnel
- Cloth or rag
🔍 Checking level
- Engine must be cold (at least 30 mins after driving)
- Locate expansion tank (usually white or translucent plastic)
- Check level against min/max marks
- Should be near max when cold, never below minimum
📝 Topping up
- Buy correct coolant type for your vehicle (check handbook)
- Most modern coolant comes ready-mixed (50/50 with water)
- Remove expansion tank cap slowly when cold
- Add coolant to max line
- Replace cap securely
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Opening system when engine is hot (dangerous, you'll get scalded)
- Mixing different coolant types (they can react badly)
- Using pure antifreeze (needs diluting, usually 50/50)
- Overfilling (needs expansion space)
- Ignoring repeated low levels (you have a leak)
💡 Pro trick: Check your coolant every couple of weeks, especially before long journeys. Takes 30 seconds - just look at the expansion tank level with engine cold. If it's regularly dropping, you've got a leak that needs finding.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🚗 Other quick checks? If I'm coming out for a coolant check, might as well add screen wash top-up, wiper blade check, oil level, tyre pressures - makes best use of the minimum callout and gives you peace of mind.
Keeps going low? You've got a leak. Could be a split hose (cheap fix), a weeping radiator (expensive), or a head gasket issue (very expensive). Get it pressure tested at a garage before it overheats and causes real damage.
Different coloured coolants? Yes, and they're not interchangeable. Modern cars use specific formulations - pink, orange, blue, yellow. Using the wrong one can cause corrosion. I'll use the right type for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's involved in a coolant check?
I check the coolant level in your expansion tank when the engine is cold, verify it's the right colour and consistency, top it up if needed with the correct type, and do a quick visual check for obvious leaks. Takes about 15 minutes.
How do I know if my coolant is low?
Warning light on your dashboard, engine running hot, heater not working properly, or steam from under the bonnet. But honestly, just check the level yourself every few weeks - there's a minimum and maximum mark on the expansion tank.
Can't I just use water?
Not for long. Coolant (antifreeze mix) prevents freezing in winter, stops corrosion, and has the right boiling point. Pure water will corrode your engine and freeze when it gets cold. I use the right mix for your vehicle.
What if it keeps going low?
Then you've got a leak somewhere. I'll do a quick visual check of hoses and connections, but finding the source properly often needs a garage with pressure testing equipment. At least you'll know you need to book it in.
Is this the minimum callout charge?
Yes - £60 covers the first hour, which includes travel and this quick job. If you've got other small vehicle jobs that need doing (wiper blades, bulbs, general checks), add them to the visit to make best use of the time.
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Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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