How Many Kilometers Should You Drive Before Changing the Car Antifreeze?
2 Answers
Car antifreeze should be replaced every 40,000 kilometers. Antifreeze is a type of coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It prevents the coolant from freezing and expanding in the radiator during cold winter parking, which could otherwise crack the radiator or damage the engine cylinder block or head. It offers excellent performance in winter antifreeze, summer anti-boil, year-round anti-scale, and anti-corrosion. New coolant should be added when the engine is cold. Fill the coolant up to the MAX mark in the reservoir, tighten the cap, and start the engine. Let it idle until the engine reaches normal operating temperature, then turn it off. Once the engine temperature drops, check the coolant level in the reservoir to ensure it remains at the MAX mark. If not, continue to top it up.
I've driven quite a few cars and believe the standard recommendation for coolant replacement is every two years or 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers, but it largely depends on your driving habits and environment. For example, since I often encounter traffic jams in the city where the engine temperature runs high, the coolant tends to degrade faster, so I check it around every 30,000 kilometers. Doing it yourself is simple: pop the hood, check if the coolant level in the reservoir is between the MIN and MAX lines, and if the color is clear, it's fine. If it appears cloudy or has sediment, it means it's no longer effective and should be replaced early. Regular checks can prevent engine overheating and save you from costly repairs. If you drive in extremely cold or hot regions, the protective role of coolant becomes even more critical—it's best to check it before each winter. Don’t wait until the warning light comes on; by then, it might be too late.