How Long Does It Take to Replace Antifreeze?

[EstherAnn]

Antifreeze should be replaced every two years or 40,000 kilometers. The method for replacing antifreeze in a car is as follows: 1. Wait for the engine to cool down and then open the car hood; 2. Open the antifreeze reservoir cap; 3. Lift the vehicle and open the radiator drain plug, drain the old antifreeze, and then reinstall the drain plug; 4. Lower the vehicle and pour new antifreeze into the antifreeze reservoir. The functions of antifreeze are: 1. To provide anti-corrosion protection for the engine's cooling system; 2. To prevent the engine water from boiling when the temperature reaches 100 degrees Celsius; 3. To prevent the formation of scale, avoiding reduced heat dissipation in the radiator; 4. To ensure the engine operates normally under low-temperature conditions.

[MaddoxMarie]

I've changed the antifreeze at home several times, usually taking about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. The prerequisite is that the engine has cooled down, preferably after sitting overnight. I park the car on level ground, pop the hood, use a wrench to loosen the drain plug, and drain the old fluid into a container—this step can't be rushed, as you need to wait for it to flow out completely. Then, I flush the system with water, screw the plug back in, and slowly pour in new antifreeze mixed with distilled water to prevent crystallization. Last weekend when I did it, it took me 40 minutes, but I had to check for leaks and ensure air bubbles were purged to prevent engine overheating. Don’t forget to wear gloves to avoid skin contact with chemicals, or you might end up with redness and itching. Overall, DIY saves money but takes a bit longer, so I recommend doing it in cool weather.

[DeCharlotte]

I'm a DIY car maintenance enthusiast, and changing the coolant is pretty quick: it usually takes about 20 to 35 minutes for a DIY job. The preparation is simple—just gather your tools once the engine has cooled down. After opening the cap, drain the old fluid, which takes about 10 minutes to fully flow out. When adding new coolant, pay attention to the ratio; I use a 50/50 pre-mixed solution. Pour it into the reservoir slowly to avoid spills. For beginners, the first time might take a bit longer, say over 30 minutes, but for a pro like me, it can be done in as little as 15 minutes. I recommend checking your car’s manual to confirm the exact locations, as some models have tricky bleed points that may require extra time. All you need are a wrench and a container—it’s cost-effective and hassle-free. After finishing, start the engine and let it warm up to verify the cooling system is working properly.

[VanEmily]

Safety is the top priority when changing antifreeze. I recommend keeping the time between 20 to 40 minutes. The engine must be completely cool, otherwise there's a high risk of burns. First, drain the old fluid, clean the system, then slowly pour in the new fluid. This job can be done DIY, but going to a professional shop is faster—they can get it done in 15 to 20 minutes with professional equipment and high efficiency. I once tried it at a car shop and it took only 15 minutes, with thorough service and no worries. The key is not to rush; ensure there's no airlock in the cooling system to prevent accidents. Regularly check the antifreeze color during maintenance to catch issues early and avoid big troubles.