Can I Add Antifreeze from Another Brand If It's Low?
2 Answers
If the antifreeze level is low, you should not add antifreeze from another brand. It is necessary to use the same brand of antifreeze. Different brands of antifreeze may have varying production formulations, and mixing them can lead to chemical reactions between multiple additives, potentially rendering the additives ineffective. Functions of Antifreeze: Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and resisting scale and corrosion throughout the year. Composition of Antifreeze: The main components of antifreeze are: 50% purified water, 40% methanol, and 10% other substances. Types of Antifreeze: Antifreeze is generally categorized into three types: ethanol-water type, glycerol-water type, and ethylene glycol-water type. How to Choose Antifreeze: The basic indicators for antifreeze are its freezing point and boiling point. The market offers antifreeze with freezing points such as -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C. It is advisable to choose one with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. How to Replace Antifreeze: Before completely replacing the antifreeze, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with a focus on the five-way hose. The five-way hose gets its name from having five connections to different parts. Antifreeze flows through the five-way hose and is distributed to various parts of the car to function. If there is any leakage of antifreeze in this part, replace the hose or re-secure the connections as needed. Drain the old antifreeze and then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the antifreeze reservoir and continue filling 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 draining from the reservoir will have a faint pink color. Continue adding clean water until the drained water is clear. Remember to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater. After draining for about an hour, add the new antifreeze through the radiator hose to allow it to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, add another container of antifreeze to the antifreeze reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. During this time, the coolant level will drop as air is expelled from the system. Add more antifreeze until the level reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
Hey, I've been driving for over 20 years and have encountered low coolant levels several times. Generally speaking, it's best not to casually top up with other brands of coolant, as the additives and chemical compositions of different brands may not be compatible. Mixing them can cause chemical reactions, like sedimentation or corrosion of engine components, which can lead to serious problems. I once added a no-name brand to save trouble, and it resulted in scale buildup in the cooling system, damaging the radiator and costing me money to fix. If you really need to add some in a pinch, first check the color and type: green to green, pink to pink—same types are okay. Otherwise, using distilled water as a temporary solution is safer, but only for short distances. Remember to check the fluid level regularly; don't wait until a major issue arises to regret it. A healthy car means peace of mind for you.
