Can I Add Engine Coolant by Myself If It's Low?
4 Answers
Engine coolant can be added when it is low. It is appropriate to add coolant when the level is below the standard mark, filling it up to the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir. Coolant is a special additive-containing fluid primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent properties such as preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and protecting against scale and corrosion throughout the year. Method for replacing coolant: Before completely replacing the coolant, 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 is named for its five connections to different parts of the engine. Coolant flows through the five-way hose and is distributed to various parts of the car to function. If there is any leakage of coolant in this section, the hose should be replaced or the connections re-secured as needed. Drain the old coolant, then flush the fluid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir, then continue to pour water into the reservoir to allow it to flow continuously through the engine cooling system. 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 color. Continue adding clean water until the outflow is clear. Note: Remember to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater. After draining for about an hour, add the new coolant through the radiator hose to allow it to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, add another bottle of coolant to the reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. During this time, the coolant level may drop as air is expelled from the cooling system. Add more coolant until the level reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
Topping up coolant by yourself is perfectly fine, but you must first figure out why the level is low. Last time I noticed the auxiliary tank level was low, and upon careful inspection, I found a slight leak at the corner of the radiator. If it's just normal consumption, when the engine is cold, unscrew the auxiliary tank cap (Caution! Opening it when hot can cause splashing and burns), and use a funnel to refill it up to the MAX mark. However, if the level drops noticeably within two weeks, there's a 90% chance it's leaking, and you should focus on checking hose connections and the water pump shaft seal. Never mix coolants of different colors. Last time, to save trouble, I mixed blue and green, resulting in flocculent deposits in the radiator that clogged the pipes, costing me an extra 500 yuan to clear the lines.
It's completely fine to add it yourself. Last time before a long-distance trip, I checked and found the fluid level was below the minimum mark, so I quickly went to the auto parts market and bought the same color original coolant. Remember to do this only when the engine is completely cooled down. First, clean the dust around the filler port, then use a syringe to slowly add the coolant up to the middle line. In an emergency, you can add distilled water, but you must replace all of it once you reach your destination, as regular tap water can cause scale buildup. After topping up, remember to start the vehicle and observe the temperature gauge, waiting for the electric fan to cycle twice to confirm normal circulation. Keeping half a bottle in the car is really convenient. Once during a heavy rain at night, a radiator hose burst, and I managed to make it to the repair shop by temporarily topping up the fluid.
Fully self-operable with simple steps. Prepare antifreeze of the same specification. With the engine cold, open the hood and locate the white translucent expansion tank. Identify the MAX and MIN level marks. After cleaning the tank opening with a towel, slowly pour the antifreeze until it reaches the midpoint between the marks, ensuring not to exceed the upper limit. After topping up, start the engine and let it run for five minutes, checking for any leaks at the pipe connections. Important reminder: Pink antifreeze must not be mixed with blue liquid, as the difference in chemical formulations can cause sediment buildup, potentially clogging the cooling passages. In severe cases, this may lead to engine overheating and cylinder scuffing. Check the fluid level quarterly; a drop of up to 2CM within the first year of a new car is normal due to evaporation.
