Do New Cars Need Antifreeze?

[DeLondyn]

New cars do not need antifreeze. Antifreeze should be replaced approximately every two years, with each replacement requiring between 4 to 5 liters. The main functions of antifreeze are: 1. Preventing the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block or head during cold winter parking; 2. Effectively preventing boiling during high summer temperatures to avoid overheating; 3. Antifreeze also has anti-corrosion properties. The steps for replacing antifreeze are: 1. Unscrew the radiator cap to drain the old antifreeze; 2. Run the engine at idle and inject clean water until the radiator discharges clear water; 3. Wait for the clean water to drain completely and close the water valve; 4. Refill with new antifreeze until the liquid level is between the MAX and MIN marks; 5. Close the cap and let the engine idle for two to three minutes.

[Braylen]

I've been driving for almost thirty years, and there's really no need to add antifreeze to a new car right away, because the cooling system is already filled with the factory fluid before it leaves the factory. Things like antifreeze are mainly used to prevent freezing in winter and overheating in summer to protect the engine. The manufacturer has already adjusted the ratio and quality for new cars. I usually teach beginners to first check the manual to confirm the type of antifreeze and avoid randomly adding different brands to prevent chemical reactions. Regularly open the hood to check the fluid level in the transparent reservoir—just top it up with the same type if it's below the minimum mark, but a new car is usually stable for the first year. Remember, check and replace it every two years or as recommended by the manual. The effectiveness decreases as it ages, affecting the engine's lifespan. This is practical advice from years of experience with old cars—proper long-term maintenance saves money and hassle.

[DiIris]

As a mechanic, I often get this question from car owners: New cars usually come with the coolant fully filled from the factory, and the cooling system is designed to be sealed, so you don't need to add any extra unless there's a leak or an accident. The core purpose of coolant is to maintain stable engine temperature, avoiding freezing or boiling issues. For new cars, using the factory-prepared mixture is the most reliable. Checking it is simple—locate the expansion tank in the engine bay and observe the fluid level marker. If it's in the middle range, everything is fine. If it's too low, you can use a dedicated coolant supplement. Also, pay attention to the color indicator—green, red, or blue corresponds to different types. Don't mix them to avoid pipe corrosion. Mention it during regular maintenance and have the technician test the fluid's pH and concentration to prevent minor issues from escalating.

[OmarAnn]

When I bought my first car, I also wondered whether I needed to add antifreeze to a new car. It turned out that after checking the manual, I learned that the manufacturer had already filled it up, so there was no need to fuss. Antifreeze is like the blood of a vehicle, responsible for protecting the engine from damage in extreme cold or heat, and new cars are preset perfectly. I personally make it a habit to do a simple check every month: after the engine cools down, open the cap, take a quick glance at the coolant level in the reservoir, and keep it near the midline. If it's low, just top it up with the same type of fluid. The most common mistake beginners make is adding fluid based on feeling, but there's really no need to add unnecessary burden. If the level is low, it might indicate a potential leak, and that's when you should go to the 4S shop for a safety check.