Is there a specific coolant/anti-freeze I should be using? The check coolant level has been coming on for the past couple days. The manual indicated that I should use a 50/50 water & coolant. Sorry, I really don't know much about cars. I'm pretty sure I can do this myself, right? Thanks in advance.

 

Yep.
Coolant should be 50/50 antifreeze/water to maintain the existing concentration which SHOULD BE 50/50%.
Important to use the correct inhibited anti freeze for aluminium engine / head etc.
Ideally use MB fluid from your dealer although this is expensive vs other (possibly inferior or incorrect type?) solutions.

However the real issue is why your vehicle is losing coolant.
This need to be investigated before lack of coolant does serious damage.
Stuart

 

I think it's due to normal evaporation because I just had my service B done a few months back & they didn't note any leaks when they made their recomendations. I actually called the dealership & they said they would top off my coolant at no charge. Should I put some water in for the drive to the dearlership as a precaution? When the "check coolant level" indicator comes on, how much time should I have to take care of the issue? Thanks for all your help.

 

If you have to keep topping up the coolant it is going somewhere. Period.

There may not be an external leak. It COULD be the head gasket or several other things.

However

IF this is the first time the coolant has ever needed to be topped up, top it up to the appropriate level (do not overfill), and ensure that you don't have to do it again any time soon, without understanding what is going on.

If the radiator cap is on NO coolant should be lost, even after a number of years, so long as everything is in good shape.

Stuart