GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Is it normal that coolant level change from day to day depending on the temp of the car (2005 base)? With the car not in use I see this afternoon that the pink coolant is an inch below the max line but I am sure I have looked in the past and it was at the max line.

depending on how hot or cold the engine is, and if its running, the coolant should be anywhere between cold and hot(max) As the engine heats up, it expands the coolant, as it cools, it does the opposite, basicly due to pressure. You don't want to see the coolant when the engine is hot, below the cold/add line, and when cold, you never want to see the coolant above the hot/max line.

Mav is on the money. As a test run the car for fifteen minutes and check the level. I am sure you will be satisfied all is well.

Those guys are right... Different levels will be in the reservior at different temperatures.Now, if the coolant disappears and never comes back like my car does, then you have a problem... Mine is getting low again, time to add some more water. 'course the dealer never found why or where it was leaking coolant.

And of course if the coolant is found to be as low as the ground then there might be a problem.

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »Those guys are right... Different levels will be in the reservior at different temperatures.Now, if the coolant disappears and never comes back like my car does, then you have a problem... Mine is getting low again, time to add some more water. 'course the dealer never found why or where it was leaking coolant. I hope by water you ment more coolant... cause with water in there, the more pure the water, the more danage your doing to your engine...

Well, when I had the coolant flushed, they made the mix a wee bit too strong. Damn thing was good to -40F or something lower, IIRC. So, when it needs it, I've just added distilled water. I don't see that damaging anything as I'm not going to let the coolant get too weak. I'll test it again before I add some and if it's still in good shape I'll add more distilled water. If it isn't, I have a jug of this overpriced Toyota junk to put in it. I don't see it hurting this piece of doo doo car any.