GMC Terrain: Cooling System / Checking Coolant

GMC Terrain 2018-2026 Owners Manual / Vehicle Care / Vehicle Checks / Cooling System / Checking Coolant

The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level.

GMC Terrain. Checking Coolant

Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down. If coolant is visible but the coolant level mark is not visible, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant surge tank to the top rib on the middle of the tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool before this is done. See Engine Overheating.

The coolant surge tank is located in the engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview.

What to Use

Warning Plain water, or other liquids such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but there would not be an overheat warning...

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank

Warning Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling system are under pressure. Turning the pressure cap, even a little, can cause them to come out at high speed and you could be burned...

Other information:

GMC Terrain 2018-2026 Owners Manual: Passenger Compartment Air Filter

The filter removes dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants from outside air that is pulled into the vehicle. The filter should be replaced as part of routine scheduled maintenance. See Maintenance Schedule. To find out what type of filter to use, see Maintenance Replacement Parts...

GMC Terrain 2018-2026 Owners Manual: Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance