Refilling engine coolant

Check your car's coolant level and refill when necessary to prevent engine damage.

 Warning

Do not swallow coolant fluid

Never ingest coolant fluid, it can damage your organs. TThe fluid contain ethylene glycol, inhibitor, water and other substances..

Heat and pressure

The coolant can be hot after running the engine. Let it cool down before unscrewing the lid on the coolant container. Unscrew the lid slowly to release any pressure.

 Important

Signs of leakage

Avoid starting the car if there are signs of coolant leakage. This could damage the engine.

Signs of leakage could be coolant under your car, steaming coolant or that you needed to refill more than 2 litres (approx. 2 US quarts).

Prescribed quality

  • To prevent deterioration of the cooling system, only use coolant approved by Volvo.
  • Volvo recommends using ready-mixed coolant.
  • If you use concentrated coolant, mix it half and half ratio of coolant and pure water. The purity must meet Volvo's requirements or it could damage the cooling system. Contact Volvo support if you are uncertain.
  • Follow the instructions on the coolant's packaging.
  • Do not mix different coolants.
  • Never refill with water only. Risk of freezing increases with both low and high levels of coolant concentration.
Open the bonnet.

The coolant container is located in the top left corner of the engine compartment, underneath a panel hatch. Pull the rubber seal towards the engine compartment to access the hatch.

Open the hatch lock and lift the hatch upwards to release it.

Unscrew the coolant container lid.

Check the coolant level and refill if needed. The coolant level must be between the MIN and MAX markings.

When you've finished refilling the coolant, put the parts back in the reverse order. Make sure that everything is properly secured.