Can I Replace the Antifreeze Myself?
2 Answers
Antifreeze can be replaced by yourself. The steps are as follows: 1. Unscrew the radiator cap, open the radiator drain valve, and drain the antifreeze; 2. Clean the cooling system by continuously injecting clean water into the engine cooling system. During the flushing process, keep the engine idling to ensure the circulation of the clean water inside until clean water flows out from the radiator; 3. Stop adding clean water, wait for it to drain completely, and then close the drain valve; 4. Add new antifreeze until the liquid level is between the max and min marks; 5. Close the cap, start the car, and let the engine idle for two to three minutes. The cooling system will expel any trapped air, causing the antifreeze level to drop slightly. At this point, you should top up the antifreeze again.
Changing the antifreeze by yourself is completely fine. I did it myself last year. The key is to prepare the new antifreeze and tools, and it's recommended to buy the manufacturer-recommended model. Before operation, you must wait for the engine to cool down completely, otherwise the high-temperature liquid may splash and scald people. Be careful when opening the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator, and make sure to catch the waste liquid in a container to avoid spilling it on the ground, as it is harmful to the environment and pets. When adding new liquid, pour it slowly. After filling it up, start the engine to let the liquid circulate, and then top it up to the standard level. The whole process takes less than half an hour, saving more than 200 yuan compared to going to the 4S shop, and you can also check whether the hose joints are leaking.
