If you own a vehicle, you've probably been asked by a gas station attendant about the water level in your car. This is a cultural custom that is present in the daily lives of these professionals. Do you know how important this liquid is in your car? Do you have the habit of checking it regularly? Let's learn more about this issue. Your vehicle's operation can be compromised by high temperatures in the cooling system, which, when overheated, cause serious damage, and when this happens, it's a sure thing! However, using the fluid is the best advice for your vehicle to function properly and without risks. Using tap water is only advisable as a last resort, when there's absolutely no other way, in a situation where you can't let the "engine go thirsty!" and it can't be left with a very low level. Thinking about all this damage and the many constant doubts and complaints that arise, we decided to list 15 essential tips that you can't miss. Let's go: 1. Keep the cooling system under control and at the ideal level! This prevents the radiator from overheating, which is the part that regulates the internal temperature of your vehicle's engine; 2. To keep your car in good condition, you should periodically check the water level in the radiator. Always do this with the car's engine cold. 3. To prevent corrosion of the vehicle's engine parts, it is essential to use the appropriate additives in your vehicle's cooling system; 4. Coolant additives can be found in concentrated or water-diluted versions. We recommend that you always make sure that the information on the product label and in the owner's manual indicates the ideal proportion for your vehicle model; 5. Have a trusted professional provide you with proper guidance on cleaning the radiator. This is very important! There are many different brands on the market and it is always a good idea to be wary of counterfeit additives! A cheaper price never makes up for the final loss. Be careful where you buy this material and always ask for the receipt. 6. Generally, the radiator should be cleaned every two years. The cleaning time may vary, depending on different reasons, such as the vehicle manufacturer's warning as well as the advice of your trusted mechanic; 7. Even the climate of the city where you live can interfere with the period of cleaning the radiator! So, also be aware of temperature variations! 8. If the color of the liquid in the reservoir is dark, it is a sign that cleaning is necessary. Always observe the color! If the color of the reservoir is not visible to see the water level, it is time to change it, also to avoid the risk of not observing its level. 9. Pay attention, if the water is dropping too quickly or the vehicle appears to be boiling, perform urgent maintenance on the system, because it may be a leak in the radiator or in other components of the system. Keep this habit of observation, it is very important! 10. Comply with the appropriate maximum level, which is indicated on the coolant expansion tank, and never fill up to the brim, only to the maximum level; 11. Add the additive to the radiator expansion tank only when the engine is cool, that is, when the car is cold; 12. Make sure the tank cap is closed properly; 13. If the vehicle overheats, never open the expansion tank while the car's engine is still hot, because you run the risk of getting burned. Be careful! If the engine is hot, open the car's hood and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before trying to open the cap by placing a cloth under the cap and opening it slowly. After this time, and when you are ready to fill the tank with water, you should start the engine again and top it up slowly. Since the new water is cold while the engine is running, it will prevent cracks in the block and other components. 14. Make sure that it is really necessary to replace any worn parts when servicing the vehicle; dried out or expanded hoses are always a time bomb that will explode; 15. Only top up with tap water if the vehicle is overheating and there is no other solution at the time. See, it's not that difficult. It requires a lot of observation and attention to how your vehicle is, with good products for the maintenance of your machine and that little help from a good, trustworthy professional to guide you. ✅ River Auto Peças e Auto Center: 📍 Av. Cel. Joaquim de Oliveira Prata, 574/630. 📞 (34) 2103-0800. 📸 https://instagr.am/riverautopecas​ 👍 https://fb.me/riverautocenter​ 🌐 https://www.riverautopecas.com.br