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• 21.

  What does it sound like when coolant is low?

  Low coolant level itself does not usually produce noticeable sounds that can be heard inside the car. However, symptoms of low coolant level, such as overheating or water pump failure, can sometimes cause unusual sounds in the engine compartment. If the coolant level is low or there is a related problem, you may hear some of the following sounds:
  ① Hissing or gurgling noises: Hissing or gurgling noises may indicate bubbles in the cooling system, usually caused by low coolant level or leaks. These sounds may be more noticeable when the engine is running.
  ② Grinding or clicking noises: If the water pump fails due to low coolant level or other problems, you may hear grinding or clicking noises from the front of the engine. This may indicate a problem with the water pump bearings or impeller.
  ③ Whining or squealing noises: Whining or squealing noises in the engine compartment may be caused by drive belt slippage or failure, which may be related to failure of the water pump or other components of the cooling system.
  ④ Boiling or bubbling: If the coolant overheats due to low fluid level or a cooling system component failure, you may hear boiling or bubbling sounds coming from the radiator or coolant reservoir.
  ⑤ Clicking or knocking noises: In some cases, low coolant levels or overheating can cause engine components to expand or contract rapidly, creating a clicking or knocking noise. This may indicate that metal parts are rubbing against each other due to thermal expansion.
  
  If you hear any of these noises coming from your engine compartment, it's important to address the problem immediately to prevent damage to the engine or cooling system. Check the coolant level and inspect the cooling system for leaks or other signs of trouble. If you're not sure what the noise is causing or how to fix it, it's best to have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic.
  
• 22.

  Is it OK to add coolant when engine is hot?

  Adding coolant to a hot engine can be dangerous because the engine is hot. When the engine is hot, the coolant and surrounding components are also hot, which means that any coolant added can boil quickly and could cause burns or other injuries.
  It's usually safer to wait until the engine is cool before adding coolant. This allows the coolant and engine components to reach safer temperatures and reduces the risk of injury. However, if you find yourself needing to add coolant to a hot engine, be careful:
  ① Allow the engine to cool slightly: If possible, wait for the engine to cool for a few minutes before attempting to add coolant. This reduces the risk of the coolant boiling quickly when it comes into contact with hot components.
  ② Use protective gear: If you must add coolant to a hot engine, wear gloves and goggles to prevent potential splash or steam injuries.
  ③ Open the coolant reservoir slowly: When opening the coolant reservoir cap, open it slowly and carefully to release any accumulated pressure. After opening the cap, be prepared for steam or coolant to overflow.
  ④ Add coolant gradually: Pour the coolant into the reservoir slowly to avoid splashing or overflowing. If necessary, take a break to allow bubbles or boiling to subside before adding more coolant.
  ⑤ Fill to the proper level: Only add coolant to the maximum fill line marked on the coolant reservoir. Overfilling will cause coolant to overflow when the engine heats up again.
  If you are unsure whether to add coolant to a hot engine or you are not comfortable doing so, it is best to wait until the engine cools down or seek the help of a qualified mechanic. Safety is always a top priority when handling hot engine parts.
  
• 23.

  Can I add new coolant to old coolant?

  Low coolant levels in your vehicle's cooling system can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
  ① Overheating: One of the most common signs of low coolant is an overheated engine. Coolant helps regulate engine temperature by transferring heat away from the engine. When the coolant level is low, there is not enough fluid to effectively absorb and dissipate the heat, resulting in overheating.
  ② High temperature gauge reading: If your vehicle has a temperature gauge on the dashboard, you may notice that the temperature indicated by the temperature gauge is higher than normal when the coolant level is low. This indicates that the engine is running hotter than normal due to insufficient coolant.
  ③ Coolant Leak: Low coolant level may be caused by a leak in the cooling system. You may notice a puddle under the vehicle after it has been parked for a while. The leak may come from the hose, radiator, water pump, or other parts of the cooling system.
  ④ Low coolant warning light: Some vehicles have a low coolant warning light on the dashboard. If this light comes on, it means the coolant level is below the recommended level and needs to be refilled.
  ⑤ Poor cabin heating: Coolant also circulates through the heater core, which is responsible for providing heat to the cabin. If the coolant level is low, you may notice reduced or inconsistent heating in your car.
  ⑥ Visible Signs of Coolant Loss: In some cases, you may be able to visually observe coolant leaking from cooling system components or notice a drop in the coolant level in the radiator.
  If you experience any of these symptoms, it is imperative that the problem is addressed immediately to prevent potential engine damage or overheating. Check the coolant level and inspect the cooling system for leaks and refill the coolant as needed. If you suspect a coolant leak or the problem persists, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.
  
• 24.

  Are coolant flushes necessary?

  Coolant flushing is often recommended as part of routine vehicle maintenance. Over time, coolant can become contaminated with rust, scale, and other debris, which can affect its effectiveness in cooling the engine and preventing corrosion. Flushing the coolant system removes these contaminants, ensuring optimal performance and life of the cooling system components.
  Neglecting a coolant flush can lead to a variety of problems, such as overheating, corrosion of engine components, and reduced cooling system efficiency. In extreme cases, it can even cause engine damage.
  Coolant flush frequency may vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations and the type of coolant used. Generally, a coolant flush is recommended every two to five years or every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, but always consult your vehicle's manual or a qualified mechanic for specific guidance.
  
• 25.

  How do I know if my particulate filter is clogged?

  A clogged particulate filter can cause a variety of symptoms in your vehicle. Here are some signs to watch out for:
  ① Check Engine Light: One of the most common signs of a clogged particulate filter is the illumination of the Check Engine Light (also known as the Malfunction Indicator Light or MIL). When the filter becomes overly saturated with soot or debris, it triggers the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate.
  ② Reduced engine performance: A clogged particulate filter can restrict exhaust flow, causing reduced engine performance. You may notice a decrease in the vehicle's power, acceleration, or overall responsiveness.
  ③ Increased fuel consumption: A clogged particle filter forces the engine to work harder to expel exhaust gas from the system. The increased workload will cause higher fuel consumption than normal.
  ④ Exhaust Smoke: A clogged particulate filter may cause excessive exhaust smoke, especially under acceleration or load. The smoke may be darker than normal and may have a noticeable odor.
  ⑤ Regeneration failure: Many modern vehicles equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or gasoline particulate filter (GPF) are equipped with a regeneration system to burn off accumulated soot and debris. If the particulate filter is severely clogged, regeneration may fail, causing a warning light to illuminate continuously or a message indicating a problem with the emissions system.
  If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic or technician as soon as possible. Ignoring a clogged particulate filter can cause further damage to your emissions system and potentially lead to costly repairs. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment, whether it is cleaning, regenerating or replacing the particulate filter.