Can I Add Antifreeze by Myself?
2 Answers
You can add car antifreeze by yourself. Yes, as long as the colors match, you can add it directly. Method for adding antifreeze: Before completely replacing the antifreeze, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with a special focus on the five-way water pipe. The five-way pipe gets its name from the five interfaces that connect various parts. Antifreeze flows through the five-way pipe and is then distributed to different parts of the car to function. If there is any leakage of antifreeze in this section, replace the water pipe or re-secure the interface as needed. Drain the old antifreeze, then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the antifreeze reservoir and continue filling it until water flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Then, start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water flowing out of the reservoir may have a faint pink tint. Continue adding clean water until the outflowing water is clear. Remember to remove the heater water pipe and drain the water from the heater. Antifreeze composition: The main components of antifreeze are: 50% pure water, 40% methanol, and 10% other substances.
It's perfectly fine to add antifreeze yourself. I've been doing this for over a decade of driving. You just need to wait until the car has completely cooled down, then open the radiator cap or expansion tank cap to check the fluid level. If it's low, pour in some of the same type of antifreeze, making sure not to mix colors or brands, like green with green, otherwise mixing them might cause a chemical reaction and clog the pipes. Don't pour too quickly when adding to avoid spillage that could corrode other parts. Antifreeze isn't just for preventing freezing; it also prevents engine overheating, so it's important to top it up when low. If you notice the level is frequently low, there might be a leak, and you should get it checked at a shop. In short, it's a simple and cost-saving task, but safety first—wear gloves when handling it.
