Videos are for informational purposes only. Always consult your truck’s manual and qualified professionals for maintenance and repairs.
90-Second Garage is a series of short, expert-led informational videos featured in Amazon Relay’s Learning Center. They’re designed to provide information on safe driving techniques and basic truck maintenance to carriers looking for additional resources.
In this episode of 90-Second Garage, see how to safely top of your semi truck’s coolant.
Note: Check your coolant daily during pre-trip inspections and only when your engine’s cooled down to ensure your engine stays the proper temperature during all weather conditions.
Equipment to top off your semi truck coolant
When you top off your semi truck’s coolant, there will be a few tools you’ll need to assist you:
- Safety vest
- Closed-toed shoes
- Gloves
- Protective eyewear
- Funnel so you don’t spill
- Rag in case you do
You’ll also need coolant. If you’re unsure of the type, check your manufacturer’s recommendation for your particular model. Don’t mix coolants. Coolants can come in various colors (green, orange, or pink) to make it easy to identify. Coolant should be replaced every 2-5 years depending on the type (reference your owner’s manual).
Steps to change your semi truck coolant
Make sure your truck is on a level surface in a safe location and allow the engine to cool down completely before checking the coolant.
- Get the hood popped open and locate the coolant reservoir. Typically, you’ll find the tank behind the inspection panel on the engine compartment.
- Note minimum and maximum markings on the reservoir. Coolant should be between them. When coolant’s too close to the minimum, you need to top it off.
- Remove the reservoir cap and insert your funnel. Pour the coolant into the reservoir, being extra cautious that you don’t overfill. Coolant expands when it’s heated, so it’s recommended to go below the max line for safety.
- Remove the funnel.
- This is where the rags come in handy. Wipe off residual coolant.
- Now that the reservoir’s full, replace the cap and close the truck’s hood.
Access freight resources & opportunities on Amazon Relay
This video and more safety and orientation resources are available in the Amazon Relay Learning Center. Carriers who are approved and onboarded to Amazon Relay can view these resources and have the option to assign them to their drivers.
Amazon Relay is a digital freight hub and mobile app that connects independent trucking companies directly to Amazon loads. Start your Relay application on desktop or our app on iOS or Android. But first, check out Relay’s carrier requirements to make sure hauling for Amazon is the right fit for your business.
Disclaimer: Amazon loads posted on third-party load boards will only be tendered directly to approved and onboarded carriers via the Relay web portal or Relay mobile app. If you are interested in hauling loads for Amazon, sign up and book directly on relay.amazon.com. For more about our efforts against fraud and cargo theft, see our trustworthy transportation page.
