Does the antifreeze in the car radiator need to be replaced?
1 Answers
The antifreeze in the car radiator needs to be replaced periodically. For vehicles that run for long periods, such as taxis, high-quality antifreeze should generally be replaced once a year. For vehicles with shorter running times, it can be replaced every two years or every 30,000 kilometers. To prevent excessive foaming, which reduces the heat exchange efficiency between the antifreeze and engine components, ensure the product is within its validity period when adding it. Long-life antifreeze can last up to three years. If suspended particles, sediment, or signs of deterioration or discoloration are found in the antifreeze, it should be replaced promptly, and the system should be cleaned. The method for replacing antifreeze is as follows: Before completely replacing the antifreeze, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any leaks or cracks in the pipelines, with a focus on the five-way hose. Antifreeze flows through the five-way hose and is distributed to different parts of the car to function. If there are signs of antifreeze leakage in this section, replace the hose or reseal the connection as needed. Drain the old antifreeze, then flush the fluid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the antifreeze reservoir and continue filling until water flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Then, start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water flowing out of the reservoir may have a faint pink tint. Continue adding clean water until the outflow is clear. Note: Do not forget to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. After draining for about an hour, add the new antifreeze through the radiator hose. Then, pour another container of antifreeze into the antifreeze reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. As some air is expelled from the cooling system, the fluid level will drop. Add more antifreeze until it reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.