Maintenance

Engine Coolant Level Inspection

~3min read
Hyundai Elantra. Checking the Engine Coolant Level

■ 1.6 T-GDI

Hyundai Elantra. Checking the Engine Coolant Level

■ 2.0 MPI

Inspect the condition and connections of all cooling system hoses and heater hoses. Replace any swollen or worn hoses.

The coolant level should be between the F and L marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cold.

If the coolant level is low, add enough distilled (deionized) water to reach the F mark, but do not overfill. If frequent addition is required, we recommend having the cooling system checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Recommended Engine Coolant

  • When adding coolant, use only distilled (deionized) water for your vehicle, and never mix hard water with the coolant factory-filled.
  • An incorrect coolant mixture may cause serious malfunction or engine damage.
  • Your engine contains aluminum components and must be protected with ethylene glycol phosphate-based coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing.
  • Do not use alcohol- or methanol-based coolant, and do not mix them with the specified coolant.
  • Do not use a solution containing more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze, as this will reduce the effectiveness of the solution.

For the mixing ratio, refer to the following table:

Hyundai Elantra. Checking the Engine Coolant Level

Information

If you are unsure of the mixing ratio, a mixture of 50% water and 50% antifreeze is optimal. It is the easiest to mix, as it uses equal amounts of each. It is suitable for use in most temperature ranges down to -31°F and above.

WARNING

Make sure the coolant reservoir cap is tightly closed after adding coolant. Otherwise, the engine may overheat while driving.

Hyundai Elantra. Checking the Engine Coolant Level

■ Front view of engine compartment

1. Make sure the mark on the coolant reservoir cap is facing straight forward.

Hyundai Elantra. Checking the Engine Coolant Level

2. Make sure the small tabs inside the coolant reservoir cap are securely engaged.

Hyundai Elantra. Checking the Engine Coolant Level

■ 1.6 T-GDI

Hyundai Elantra. Checking the Engine Coolant Level

■ 2.0 MPI

WARNING

Hyundai Elantra. Checking the Engine Coolant Level

Never remove the engine coolant reservoir cap/radiator cap or drain plug while the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may be expelled under pressure, which may cause serious injury.

Turn the engine off and wait until the engine has cooled. Be extremely careful when removing the engine coolant reservoir cap/radiator cap. Wrap a thick towel around it and slowly turn it counterclockwise to the first stop. Step back while pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all pressure has been released, press down on the cap with a thick towel and continue turning counterclockwise to remove it.

WARNING

Hyundai Elantra. Checking the Engine Coolant Level

The cooling fan motor may continue to run or start when the engine is off and may cause serious injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the rotating cooling fan blades.

The cooling fan motor is controlled by engine coolant temperature, refrigerant pressure, and vehicle speed. As the engine coolant temperature decreases, the cooling fan motor will turn off automatically. This is normal. If your vehicle is equipped with GDI, the cooling fan motor may start to run at any time and continue to run until you disconnect the negative battery cable.

Test yourself

A quick Hyundai Elantra AD quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.