I have a 2009 LT and I've read the posts here and elsewhere regarding the coolant tank. I have looked mine over several times but cannot see any coolant or the marks for high and low levels. It could be that the coolant is low but the engine does not overheat. Should I add a little coolant to see if it is visible or not?

Also, what is the best way to check the coolant strength? How do you access the coolant to test it? Thanks

 

This has the best pic and explanation I could find.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/main...ank-pic-55772/

If your coolant is still not visible, add a small amount before you take the car out for the day, before you start it, when the engine is cold. To test strength, you would draw your sample from under the radiator cap, also when cold(for personal safety).

 

The coolant should be changed after 5 years. If your's hasn't, it would be best to just go ahead and change it now.

If it has been changed within the last 5 years and you just want to test it. Let it sit over night and cool down. In the morning before starting the car, open the radiator cap and test a sample of the coolant.
Any handheld coolant tester will work.

Fwiw. Modern day coolants usually won't lose their protection capabilties unless it's had too much water added at some point, the cooling system has been severely overheated, or the coolant is too old.

 

Don't have an owner manual, follow the link in my sig.

 

And grab a Sharpie™, or some paint, to mark the level lines on the Coolant Recovery Bottle.

Us geezers here know that the only place darker than the engine compartment of an HHR is a coal mine when your flashlight goes out.

Plus there are those of us "Old Timers" who fill the bottle about 1 inch higher than the "Full Cold" level line as insurance.

 

Because I couldn't see the coolant level clearly in the tank itself, I replaced the lower part of the small black hose with a piece of clear tubing. Now I can easily see the level by just looking down at that tubing.

 

George is that dirt? There on the rad support? A spot not waxed ? Or just my finger prints on my IPhone screen?
Great idea for the clear hose!

 

OMG - yeah, that does look like dirt. And the windings in the alternator has some caked on dust. I am aghast, shocked and dismayed!!!! (I will never show pics of my engine compartment............... never)

 

Probably a combination of dirt and mildew. Poor car stays parked a lot. That and living in a very humid part of the southern US can cause it to get "dirty" without leaving the garage.

 

Well alrighty then, up here it's road grime, salt, sand, beet juice and brine. I wash my engine bay at least once in May then again in October. Still I think you have the cleanest HHR SS out there!