What state should the car be in when reading the overflow reservoir?
 

When the car is off and cold, the overflow reservoir shows a lower reading versus when the car is on and warmed up.

This is confusing because when the car is cold, it can be said that coolant needs replenishing, but after the car is warmed up, it can be said that it does not need replenishing, so which one is right?

What state should the car be in when reading of the overflow reservoir, to make sure it is at the optimum level?

http://engineering.mishimoto.com/wp-...-installed.jpg

^^See the lines on the overflow? If you're somewhere between them you're :thumbsup:

The level will vary, like you're noticing. As long as it's lowest point isn't below the minimum line and highest point isn't above the maximum line you're good.

What state of the car though? There's literally two different readings. How do I know what reading to look at to make sure I'm in the optimum range?

Like I said, both readings should be within the max and min fill lines. If it's below the min line at it's lowest point then add more coolant.

You are probably over-thinking this, is the car overheating at a long idle? If not, you're good to go.

I should have just read the manual before posting. It says while cold.

/thread

:slap: ......... :sigh:


:D


humfrz