Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T coolant level

[Chris82]

Hi All

I recently got a 65 plate Nissan Qashqai 1.6 DIG-T (petrol) and found that the coolant level is quite below the minimum level when cold which is a concern. When checking when the engine is hot, the coolant level is between Min and Max which is what is confusing me, as i intended to top it up. I am unable to find anything about this in the book which advises to check when cold.

My partner took the car to the local Nissan dealership to get more coolant though turned away as the levels were fine (as it had warmed up).

Has anyone else come across this issue? any advice?

The coolant level has not radically dropped to cause concern of a leak etc.

Thanks

Chris

[MikeGC]

Most cars have a coolant reservoir with minimum and maximum level marks.
With the engine COLD, the coolant level should be between the two marks.
If your coolant level is too low (below or near the lower mark), top it up using a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze (for normal driving conditions).

[Chris82]

Most cars have a coolant reservoir with minimum and maximum level marks.
With the engine cold, the coolant level should be between the two marks.
If your coolant level is too low (below or near the lower mark), top it up using a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze (for normal driving conditions).

Thanks Mike, that's where i am taking the readings from. I'm confused to why the levels are good when warmed up though low when cold.

I also wonder if i'm going to cause any issues if i top it up when cold knowing it will go above the max line when warmed up and any knock on effect from that

[MikeGC]

Without trying to be condescending.....

The coolant runs around the engine at 90 to 110 degrees Celsius.
The coolant expands when it’s hot, therefore the level of fluid rises up the wall of the reservoir.

[Chris82]

Without trying to be condescending.....

The coolant runs around the engine at 90 to 110 degrees Celsius.
The coolant expands when it’s hot, therefore the level of fluid rises up the wall of the reservoir.

Thanks Mike, appreciated and you arent!

So, when hot i am getting a decent reading however cold is the one to go with

[MikeGC]

Oil, air and water - all topped up when they are cold, in my humble opinion

[Chris82]

Thats what i thought, i did wonder whether the mechanic at Nissan was a bit off with the advice......

[Deleted User 3871]

And that's why the tank is called an expansion chamber in old money.

Without trying to be condescending.....

The coolant runs around the engine at 90 to 110 degrees Celsius.
The coolant expands when it’s hot, therefore the level of fluid rises up the wall of the reservoir.