well as often as I can I check it about once every three days but I don't add coolant but say once every other week. usually there is about 1-4 inches in the reservoir which I realize is probably not optimal but better than being empty.
thanks for the advice above though that's very helpful and I will look for a Hayne manual
I have a 2000 Chevy S-10 V6 Automatic I believe it's a 4.3L engine.
it's been running great has 126K miles and I had a dealership tune up done at 98K miles been a very good vehicle.
lately however the brakes sound like someone stuck another disc in between the pads and the original rotors. constant grinding noise. as soon as I hit the breaks it goes away then comes back. also the break peddle vibrates only when braking hard downhill. I realize the breaks need to be changed is there any chance it's just the pads or should I be saving for calipers and rotors.
2. there is a small coolant leak in the area of like 1 Gallon over 3-4K miles so not much but the oil change place was pretty sure it's the water pump I am wondering if that's something someone who is handy but inexperienced should try would buying a repair manual or spending the money on having someone else do it right be more beneficial
3. the coolant temp sensor only moves up to 1/4 point where it should be at 1/2 which is normal I am guessing it might either have something to do with the thermostat going out which may or may not explain why I also get very mediocre air conditioning. or might it just be a symptom of the coolant leak. It hasn't overheat during the course of the past months it's been doing this but I would hate for the gauge to be lying to me and it do that without me every knowing it.
any and all answers or advice would be appreciated I'm a poor college student so any of this I can end up doing myself without ruining anything I need to do to save money and there is a parts store within walking distance
