Do Electric Vehicles Use Antifreeze?
2 Answers
Electric vehicles do require antifreeze. Unlike in fuel-powered vehicles, antifreeze in electric vehicles is used to cool the motor and must be replaced periodically according to the manufacturer's guidelines (typically every 2 years or 40,000 kilometers). The antifreeze in electric vehicles primarily serves to dissipate heat from the motor and the battery, and it is also used for the temperature regulation in the air conditioning and heating systems. Below are the steps to replace the antifreeze in an electric vehicle: 1. Always wait at least 10 minutes after the vehicle is turned off before replacing the antifreeze. The antifreeze can be extremely hot after driving and may cause burns. 2. Conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle: Check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes and inspect the five-way water pipe. If there is any leakage of antifreeze in this area, replace the water pipe or resecure the connection as needed. 3. Use a jack to lift the vehicle. 4. Loosen the screw at the bottom of the radiator with a wrench and use a waste fluid pan to catch the old antifreeze. 5. Cover the expansion tank cap with a thick towel and slowly loosen it until the pressure is fully released, then remove the cap completely. Use a compressed air blow gun or a thick towel to pressurize the expansion tank filler port to remove as much antifreeze as possible from the engine. 6. Add softened water and let the engine idle for 5 minutes to thoroughly clean the internal cooling circulation system. 7. Add new antifreeze up to the maximum fill line. 8. Let the engine idle for another 5 minutes, then observe the coolant reservoir's level and top it up if necessary.
As a long-term electric vehicle user, I have personally experienced the importance of coolant. Electric vehicles do use coolant, but it is not designed for traditional engines; it is primarily used to cool the battery pack and motor. For example, in winter, battery efficiency decreases or even freezes at low temperatures, and coolant helps maintain stable temperatures. During summer heat, it prevents overheating and damage to the battery. I’ve found that regularly checking the fluid level is crucial, as leaks can lead to performance degradation or safety hazards. It’s recommended to replace the specialized coolant every two years, typically with an ethylene glycol-based formula for better performance. The cost is low, and it only takes a little time during maintenance to confirm. Don’t overlook this—it directly impacts vehicle lifespan and safety. Especially for users in northern regions, paying attention to coolant condition is essential to avoid fluctuations in driving range.
