[redsoul210]

So, I went to refill my washer fluid when I noticed that my coolant level was about an inch or two below the min line. I have about 1,400 miles on the car and I know wonder if it was like this from the factory or if there is something wrong. I have an appointment at the dealership tomorrow. I’m sure they’ll top it off and call it a day.

 

[insightfully]

Have you noticed any leaks? If not, maybe it's 'just' your radiator cap that was loose and allowed evaporation (?). Least likely is that your coolant is getting burned and/or going into your oil. Also if it helps, with this being a hybrid, your engine wasn't running for the full 1400 miles driven so far...

 

[redsoul210]

Have you noticed any leaks? If not, maybe it's 'just' your radiator cap that was loose and allowed evaporation (?). Least likely is that your coolant is getting burned and/or going into your oil. Also if it helps, with this being a hybrid, your engine wasn't running for the full 1400 miles driven so far...

No, I haven’t noticed leaks. I park in a garage at home and the same parking spot at work every time and I haven’t seen anything. Will update after I visit the dealer.

 

[redsoul210]

Dealership says everything checks out ok, not sure why it was low but I’ll keep an eye on it.

 

[Wifey'sInsight]

Dealership says everything checks out ok, not sure why it was low but I’ll keep an eye on it.

It could have been a bubble in a coolant line when the car was originally filled, unlikely because I'm sure they fill it with a pre-measured amount but not impossible.

 

[andrew28]

My Insight is 20 months old and at around 8,700 miles. Checked(during the morning before driving) my Engine Coolant Reserve Tank and noticed half of it is gone. The Inverter Coolant Filler Tank is near max from what I can tell. Going to bring it up with the dealership whenever I go do the fuel pump recall.

 

[hasarad]

My Insight is 20 months old and at around 8,700 miles. Checked(during the morning before driving) my Engine Coolant Reserve Tank and noticed half of it is gone. The Inverter Coolant Filler Tank is near max from what I can tell. Going to bring it up with the dealership whenever I go do the fuel pump recall.

I'm curious to learn where the coolant level was once the car was warmed up.I don't have my reserve tank in front of me, so I don't know if the line below the shown coolant level is the min line or not. If it is, I don't think you have an issue. If you're indeed low (below min) at 8,700 miles, I'd be concerned regardless of the 20-month age. The reserve/overflow tank should never be full with a cold engine.

 

[andrew28]

I'm curious to learn where the coolant level was once the car was warmed up.I don't have my reserve tank in front of me, so I don't know if the line below the shown coolant level is the min line or not. If it is, I don't think you have an issue. If you're indeed low (below min) at 8,700 miles, I'd be concerned regardless of the 20-month age. The reserve/overflow tank should never be full with a cold engine.

I edited the photo with color coded lines to make it easier to see. The red is the minimum line, yellow is my current level, and green is the full line. From my understanding, proper coolant level checking should always be done with a cold engine. I know the coolant level will rise when the engine is warm/hot. Shouldn't my coolant level when cold be close to the full line if that's how much was in there from the factory?

 

[insightfully]

I edited the photo with color coded lines to make it easier to see. The red is the minimum line, yellow is my current level, and green is the full line. From my understanding, proper coolant level checking should always be done with a cold engine. I know the coolant level will rise when the engine is warm/hot. Shouldn't my coolant level when cold be close to the full line if that's how much was in there from the factory?

It looks full (over-full?) in the picture to me. Is this your actual reservoir that you refilled, of just a sample picture?

 

[andrew28]

It looks full (over-full?) in the picture to me. Is this your actual reservoir that you refilled, of just a sample picture?

Yeah, it's a picture of the actual reservoir on my Insight. The fluid level is at the yellow line I drew...

 

[Lavash]

The level should be halfway between the minimum and maximum. Your car has a normal coolant level.

 

[andrew28]

The tech took a look at it and topped it off to the full line during my oil change.

Red: Low line
Green: Full line
Blue: Current level