Water and coolant are what keep your 1996 Cavalier's engine cool while it is running. The proper level and mixture is imperative to maintaining the optimum operating temperature at all times. Too much coolant can cause overflow and keep the vehicle running too cool, and too little water can cause overheating and engine damage. Adding the proper amount of coolant and making certain the mixture of water and coolant is correct are important to proper operation of your Cavalier.
Instructions
- 1
Fill the 1-gallon container about halfway with coolant and fill the rest with cool tap water.
2Screw the cap on the container and lightly flip the container upside down a few times to mix the water and coolant.
3Open the coolant reservoir tank by unscrewing the cap and pulling off.
4Start your vehicle and allow it to reach proper operating temperature. The temperature gauge will be about halfway at proper operating temperature.
5Look at markings on the side of the coolant reservoir; check the level of the coolant compared to the "Full Hot" mark on the reservoir.
6Add the coolant mixture until the level reaches the "Full Hot" mark and allow the vehicle to run for several minutes after that.
7Re-check the level to make certain it did not drop. If the level appears OK, replace the reservoir cap and allow the vehicle to run several more minutes.
8Check the temperature gauge on the dashboard. If it is about halfway between hot and cold, the vehicle is safe for driving.
