NK

Naveen Kumar g

6h

Can I add water and coolant separately, such as water in the radiator and coolant in the coolant reservoir?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
7m

No, do not add water to the radiator and coolant in the bottle separately. The radiator and the coolant bottle are part of the same closed system, so they mix anyway. You should use the same mix in both places, as per your owner’s manual - most cars need a 50:50 mix of coolant and distilled water. The easiest way is to buy premixed coolant and top up only with that.

Many newer cars don’t want you to open the radiator at all; you top up only in the coolant bottle to the MAX line when the engine is cold. Check your manual.

If you must top up in a pinch, use clean distilled water, but if you can only use tap water, use only enough to get you home. Then get the system drained and refilled with the correct mix soon after. 

If the level keeps dropping, there is likely a leak or a weak cap - get it checked. When you buy coolant, stick to the type your car brand recommends.

Recommended questions for you

RA

Ram

1w

I am planning to choose between the Toyota Innova Hycross GX Optional petrol and the Kia Carens petrol mid-variant. Please suggest which would be a better option for daily office commutes in Bangalore and occasional long trips. Also, what is the real-world mileage of both cars?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
35m

Opt for the Toyota Innova Hycross GX (O ) petrol CVT for your Bangalore office runs and the odd long trip; it is smooth, very comfortable, and easy to live with over many years. In daily traffic, it feels calm and stress-free thanks to a smooth CVT automatic. The high seat and big glass area make it easy to see out, and on weekend trips, your family will enjoy the space and ride comfort. Toyota service in Bangalore is also strong, so upkeep is simple.One thing to be aware of: the Innova is a large car, so tight basement parking and narrow lanes will need some care, and this non-hybrid petrol will use more fuel in stop-go traffic than a small car. If most days you drive alone, park in tight places, and want lower daily fuel use, the Kia Carens Clavis petrol mid variant will suit you better because it is smaller and lighter to drive.

VehicleToyota Innova HyCross
VehicleKia Carens Clavis
KK

Kks

5d

My daily commute is around 250 km (round trip) between Greater Noida and Gurgaon, so I am looking for a cost-effective car with minimal running costs. I currently own a Maruti XL6 CNG, which has already completed 1 lakh kilometres. Please suggest the best suitable car, considering I plan to sell my existing vehicle.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
38m

If you can install a charger at home, then go for the Tata Nexon EV 45kWh with your 250km daily Greater Noida to Gurgaon run, it is the calmest, lowest-cost way to cover this distance on a single charge. In our real-world testing, the 45kWh Nexon managed 350km (combined city and highway) on one charge, which is enough for your commute with some buffer. It feels smooth and quiet, pulls cleanly for quick lane changes, and the higher seating position and light steering make long hours less tiring.One thing to be aware of: at very high speeds, the range will drop faster, so stick to a steady 80–90kph to comfortably finish the day without a top-up. If you want to stick with CNG and need three rows, then consider the Kia Carens Premium (O), which can be had with a dealer-fitted CNG kit.Do a test drive of the Nexon on part of your actual route to see the range you get at your usual speed.

VehicleTata Nexon EV
VehicleKia Carens
VK

Vijay Kharche

5d

I currently own a Maruti Ertiga VXI CNG (2015 model) and am planning to buy a new car. I am considering the Kia Carens, Mahindra XUV700, and Maruti Suzuki XL6, but I am confused about which would best suit my needs. The Kia Carens appeals to me with its premium design and CNG option, but I am unsure about the real-world mileage of the CNG variant due to mixed feedback. The XL6, being a 6-seater, is slightly less suitable as I prefer a 7-seater. I also like the Mahindra XUV700 for its premium features and design, but I am concerned about its mileage. My monthly usage is around 200-300 km, with one annual long trip of approximately 1000-1500 km. Based on this, which car would be the most suitable choice? Additionally, are there any plans for Maruti to launch a 7-seater CNG version of the Grand Vitara in the near future?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1h

Pick the Kia Carens Clavis with the 1.5-litre NA petrol. For your low running, pure petrol is a better choice than CNG, and the Clavis will feel like a significant upgrade over your Ertiga. It keeps the easy, light feel you are used to, but the cabin feels nicer, the third row is a touch roomier, and with no CNG tank, you will have a usable boot. You also avoid queues at CNG pumps, and the money saved on fuel will be minimal with your limited usage.If you still prefer CNG, then the older Carens, which is still on sale in just one trim, can be equipped with a dealer-fit CNG kit. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is a viable alternative, but expect significantly higher fuel bills with the petrol.One thing to be aware of with the Carens Clavis petrol is that with seven people and luggage on steep climbs, it will feel worked. If that matters, consider the Carens 1.5 turbo-petrol instead.During your test drive, carry your family, sit in the third row, and check the boot with a couple of suitcases to make a clear choice.

VehicleKia Carens Clavis

Posted on: 12 Apr 2026