Do I Need to Replace the Antifreeze in a New Car During Winter?

[VanStella]

Generally, there is no need to replace the antifreeze in a new car during winter. Under normal circumstances, antifreeze is typically replaced every two years, so a new car may not require antifreeze replacement. However, the decision should be made flexibly based on the vehicle's usage environment. It is recommended that car owners consult relevant personnel at the 4S store in a timely manner to avoid vehicle issues during winter. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing when the car is parked in cold winter, which could otherwise cause the radiator to crack or the engine cylinder block to freeze. Its full name is antifreeze coolant. Many people think that antifreeze is only used in winter, but in fact, it should be used all year round. Before adding car antifreeze, it is necessary to check whether there is any leakage in the car engine's cooling system. If no leakage is found after inspection, the car owner can proceed with the next steps.

[LeDawson]

My experience is that new cars don't need antifreeze replacement within the first two years, but the freezing point must be checked before winter. Last year I tested my new car with a freezing point tester and found the factory antifreeze could still withstand -35°C, making replacement completely unnecessary. The key is to check whether the fluid level is between MIN-MAX marks - if it's below the scale line, top up with the same color, never mix different types. Once when checking my cousin's car, I found flocculent substances in the reservoir - those are crystals formed by chemical reactions between different antifreezes, which requires complete replacement. Remember OEM antifreeze usually comes with Organic Acid Technology (OAT) and can last 5 years or 240,000 km.

[SanBennett]

Antifreeze isn't just for preventing freezing; it also protects the engine and radiator from rust. Last week, I used test strips to check the pH of my new car's antifreeze and found it still within the alkaline range of 8.5, so I didn't replace it. Friends in northern regions should visit an auto repair shop before winter to spend 20 yuan testing the freezing point—the instrument will instantly show whether replacement is needed. Remember to choose a coolant with the same color formula as the original, like blue with blue, as mixing different colors may clog the pipes. Some long-life antifreeze can last up to eight years, so new car owners don't need to worry about it for the first few years.

[WyattLynn]

As a seasoned driver frequently traveling in Northeast China, my practice is to annually extract some coolant with a medical syringe and test it in the freezer. If it doesn't freeze after two hours at -20°C, there's no need to replace it. New cars have fully sealed cooling systems with minimal evaporation, so the main focus is checking the pipes for rodent damage. Last year, I encountered a case where mice chewed through a coolant hose, causing a leak. If winter temperatures suddenly drop to -30°C, bottled coolant can be added as an emergency measure, but remember to thoroughly flush and replace it come spring.