Checking the coolant level...How?

[gymm]

Hi there, I have had my Beat since October and it's fantastic. I hate to ask but can someone explain how to check the water level in the radiator. I assume it is at the front under the bonnet. Also, could someone advise me what all the reservoirs are for (front and back) as I would hate to pour the wrong liquid in it. I have no problem with adding oil. Appologies for sounding pathetic here but it has been so reliable that I haven't had to do anything to it. Thanks

[steveinjapan]

I know what you mean - it's just a turn-the-key-and-go sort of car. A very different experience for me, having owned Alfas for 40 years. My Beat uses so little oil that I quit checking it for a few months and when I did get around to it, ooops, it was a little below the lower dot.

As for the coolant, once you find the bonnet release it all becomes clear. There is a petite little riser and pressure cap on the bulkhead in front of the passenger seat. I assume you should top up the coolant just as in other cars. Nearby that with the blue cap is the large plastic windscreen reservoir, and on the driver side are the brake fluid and clutch (?) fluid reservoirs.

Good idea to check the spare tyre pressure and make sure the jack works while you're poking around in there. You might even find some room to put something.

[Steve_M]

Coolant level is checked at the expansion bottle in the engine bay.

Attached picture shows MIN / MAX levels. check when cold.

DO NOT release cap when HOT

Coolant access cap in the front is only used when replacing coolant to allow air bleed.

[steveinjapan]

Coolant level is checked at the expansion bottle in the engine bay.

Attached picture shows MIN / MAX levels. check when cold.

DO NOT release cap when HOT

Coolant access cap in the front is only used when replacing coolant to allow air bleed.


Ooops. Senior moment - I knew that!

[gymm]

Cheers, John