How to Add Coolant: 1997 Chevrolet Astro 4.3L V6 Extended Cargo Van

Adding engine coolant (also known as antifreeze) to your 1997 Chevrolet Astro is pretty easy. Engine coolant / antifreeze circulates through your engine to keep it cool in the summer but won't freeze in the winter. Make sure to check your engine when it is cold for an accurate reading. The video above shows you where the coolant reservoir in your Astro is located and how to add coolant / antifreeze. Be sure to check your owners manual to determine the correct type of fluid to add - for Chevrolets, it will typically be in a section titled Fluid Capacities in the back of your manual. Mix the coolant / antifreeze with distilled water so that you have a combination of 50% coolant and 50% water. Some coolants will come premixed-that is, you don't need to add any water. These coolants will typically say 50/50 or pre-mixed on the front of the coolant bottle.

Removing the coolant reservoir cap on a warm engine could cause the cap to fly off at a high rate of speed and fluid to spray out of the reservoir. Always wear safety goggles when working on your Astro. Promptly wipe up any spilled fluid as it is highly toxic. Animals love its sweet taste, so even a spilling a small amount on your garage floor can end up in the dog's stomach pretty quickly. If you notice an oily surface in your coolant, immediately have your mechanic inspect your Astro for head gasket leakage