Do I Need to Replace the Antifreeze in My New Car During Winter?
2 Answers
New cars do not require antifreeze replacement in winter. Generally, antifreeze should be replaced every 2 years or approximately 60,000 kilometers. If the freezing point value is too high, it indicates that the antifreeze has deteriorated and needs replacement. However, whether to replace it should be determined based on actual conditions. 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. Antifreeze is a type of 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 protecting against scale and corrosion throughout the year.
When I first bought my car, I was quite worried about the antifreeze in winter. But later, I found that new cars come with antifreeze pre-installed by the manufacturer, with a very low freezing point to withstand the cold, so there's usually no need to rush to replace it. I lived in Jilin, where temperatures can drop to over minus twenty degrees Celsius, and I even went to a repair shop to have the freezing point tested for free. The results showed it was more than adequate, saving me a lot of hassle. Now, after more than three years of driving, I still haven't changed the antifreeze. I just check for leaks or discoloration before each winter. New drivers often feel the need to do extra maintenance, but in reality, the new car maintenance checklist already covers these aspects. Don't be misled by sales pitches into spending unnecessary money. The key is safety first, so it's always good to check.
