Quote:
Originally Posted by Tcoat
It should never be at the full line when cold. It is an expansion tank for when it gets hot and if full when cold there is no place for it to expand to.
The coolant is a mix of water and antifreeze. The water will slowly evaporate over time and needs to be replaced periodically. If you can not see or smell it then you have no issue. Just replace the water (distilled) and carry on.
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FYI from owners manual
"The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold. If the level is on or below the “L”
line, add coolant up to the “F” line.
(→P. 465)"
So it is satisfactory to be in between the F and L lines, but when filling it up it says to fill to the F line.
The reservoir has plenty of expansion space beyond the F line, if you are expanding the fluid beyond that capacity then you have other issues to worry about, like air in the system, leaks in the system, or overheating.
Although as previously stated colder weather can make it read "artificially" low, i would fill right at or just under F line at about 70 degrees, or fill about 1/3" lower per 10 degree drop but never below the L.
Or just warm coolant up to 70s and top it up to just at or under F.