My coolant is getting low, and I need to add more, but I’m not sure if this is the reservoir. Can someone confirm with me? Also, if anyone can recommend a good coolant for a 2021 Chevy Spark, that would be awesome. Thanks in advance and have a great day.
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Yep, that’s the reservoir in the pictures you posted. Look for the symbol with the box and wavy lines. Just be careful not to open it when the engine is hot—let it cool first. After you top it up, run the car and then check the level again. You should be all set after that!
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@Gale
Just to emphasize: Do not open it when the engine is warm! You could end up with boiling hot coolant spraying everywhere.
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Reese said:
@Gale
Just to emphasize: Do not open it when the engine is warm! You could end up with boiling hot coolant spraying everywhere.
No worries, I definitely won’t! I’m letting the car sit overnight before I add anything, and I’ll let it cool off after I fill it too.
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@Grayer
Good plan! A helpful tip is to gently squeeze the rubber hose coming from the reservoir. If it’s easy to squeeze, that means the system isn’t under pressure anymore.
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Just a heads-up: Coolant doesn’t just disappear. If it’s low, it might be leaking somewhere. Refilling it will help, but you should keep an eye on it to make sure it’s not leaking.
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Hollis said:
Just a heads-up: Coolant doesn’t just disappear. If it’s low, it might be leaking somewhere. Refilling it will help, but you should keep an eye on it to make sure it’s not leaking.
I’ve had to add antifreeze at every oil change, and they’ve never mentioned a leak or tried to sell me on fixing one. But they’re quick to try and upsell other stuff!
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@Pat
They’ll upsell you on the easy stuff for sure.
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Corey said:
@Pat
They’ll upsell you on the easy stuff for sure.
Exactly. You’d think they’d mention something, especially when they could refer me to the mechanic shop next door.
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@Pat
Yeah, when I got my oil changed yesterday, they tried to upsell me on a bunch of stuff but didn’t mention any leaks. My car’s used, but it was a rental before, so everything was basically new when I bought it. I called my dealership, and they said everything should be fine.
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@Grayer
Same here. I’ve got a 2019 Spark, and I have to top off my oil and coolant every so often. The oil change place also told me everything looked good, so I think it might just be a small engine issue.
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@Pat
What do you mean by a small engine problem, if you don’t mind me asking? Also, yeah, they tried to scam me too—stuck a cigarette in my air filter, and they wanted to charge $100 for a coolant change when I can get a jug for $10 at Walmart. 
@Grayer
I just meant that small engines have smaller reservoirs, so you might have to top them off more often.
And wow, that’s shady! The $100 quote was probably for a full coolant flush, which is why it was so expensive.
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@Pat
That makes sense! But yeah, after they stuffed leaves in my brand-new air filter, I wasn’t about to trust them with anything else. 
I shook all the leaves out myself—it was so gross!
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Hollis said:
Just a heads-up: Coolant doesn’t just disappear. If it’s low, it might be leaking somewhere. Refilling it will help, but you should keep an eye on it to make sure it’s not leaking.
I’ve got a 2013 Spark, and I had to replace the coolant tank a few years ago due to a leak. Keep an eye on it just in case.
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@Aeron
Thanks for all the advice! I wasn’t told I had any leaks when I got it checked out, but I’ll keep an eye on it just in case. And I’ll definitely let the car sit overnight before adding anything.
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Be careful when buying coolant. Some bottles come pre-mixed 50/50, while others need you to add water yourself.
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Pat said:
Be careful when buying coolant. Some bottles come pre-mixed 50/50, while others need you to add water yourself.
My dad mentioned that too! I’m having my mechanic friend pick out which one I should buy.
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@Grayer
If you get the concentrate, don’t mix it in something you’d use for food or drinks later. Those chemicals could stick to the plastic.
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