Coolant levels?

[JD10367]

We've had our Smart for about a month, and have around 350 miles on him. This morning, I dropped the "hood" to add some windshield wiper fluid, because we're going on a trip over the weekend. The windshield wiper fluid was almost empty, and I haven't used it that much, which leads me to believe it wasn't filled very much.

I also noticed that the engine coolant (you know, the usually-green stuff you put in a radiator) was low. On the right side of the compartment, the plastic container has a MAX and a MIN line, and the level is below the MIN line--it's perfectly level with the join in between the two halves of the container (probably about an inch below the MIN line). The coolant is also sort of brown. I don't know if that's normal.

What is the color of your fluid? What is the level of it? I'm wondering if I should pick up some coolant, and what type...

[GHammerly]

The seam on the reservoir is the Minimum line, with the engine cold the coolant should be at Minimum.
Smart uses some really dark green stuff, I would just add a little distilled water to get the fluid level where it has to be, the percentage of water used will be very small so no need to worry about diluting your antifreeze.

[JD10367]

Hmm. I thought for sure there was a MAX and MIN line clearly visible, as well as the seam where the current level is located. If you're correct in both comments (that the seam is the MIN level, and it should be at the MIN level when cold), then my fluid level is probably fine.

I might pick up a gallon of the Peak 50/50 (which, in another thread, I hear is the stuff to use) just to have it in the back of the car in case it's needed. We're driving from RI to central NJ on Saturday. I'll check the level in NJ once the car's cold again, and see if it moved at all.

[SCF Ian]

If it really bothers you, call up your smart service center and explain to them what happened. Some times in the rush of things the cars zoom through PDI and they don't get filled completely. I know all the brand specialist here always double check wind shield washer fluid and all other fluids before a customer takes delivery.

Save your self some money though, get some distilled water and just top it off. It will not hurt any thing, it is probably what the dealership would do if they didn't want to open a new bottle of coolant hah.

Take car and happy driving,
Ian
smart center Fairfield

[smark]

Mine's between max/min, at cold

[jwight]

I might pick up a gallon of the Peak 50/50 (which, in another thread, I hear is the stuff to use) just to have it in the back of the car in case it's needed. We're driving from RI to central NJ on Saturday.

I checked with the local M-B dealer and they recommended Peak 50/50. I'm sure smart has some super duper coolant they'd be happy to sell us, but any of the current "works with all engines" stuff is fine.