What is an appropriate action if the coolant in the machine shows signs of contamination?

Replacing the coolant entirely is the appropriate action if signs of contamination are observed. Contaminated coolant can lead to several issues, including decreased cooling efficiency, increased wear on tooling, and potential damage to the machine. If the coolant contains debris, oil, or bacteria, simply topping it off or trying to filter it can be insufficient to address the problem. Topping off may dilute the properties of the existing contaminated coolant, and filtering might not remove all the harmful contaminants effectively. Additionally, postponing action until the next service can exacerbate these issues, impacting both the quality of the machining process and the longevity of the equipment. A complete replacement ensures that the system operates with clean, effective cooling fluid, optimizing performance and preventing further complications.