How Many Liters of Antifreeze Are Needed for a Replacement?

[LaGarrett]

Approximately 4 liters of antifreeze are required for a car's antifreeze replacement. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block or head during cold winter parking. How to Choose Antifreeze: The basic indicators of antifreeze are its freezing point and boiling point. On the market, antifreeze comes in specifications with freezing points of -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, -40°C, etc. Generally, it is advisable to choose one that is at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. Can Different Antifreeze Brands Be Mixed? It is necessary to use the same brand of antifreeze. Different brands may have varying production formulas, and mixing them could lead to chemical reactions between additives, rendering them ineffective. Antifreeze Replacement Cycle: For vehicles that operate for extended periods, such as taxis, high-quality antifreeze should generally be replaced once a year. Vehicles with shorter operation times can have their antifreeze replaced every two years or every 30,000 kilometers. To prevent excessive foam formation, which can reduce the heat exchange efficiency between the antifreeze and engine components, ensure the product is within its validity period when adding it. Long-lasting antifreeze can have a validity period of 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.

[LaAlaina]

As an experienced driver for many years, the amount of antifreeze to replace depends on the vehicle model. Generally, 4 to 5 liters is enough for small cars, while SUVs or larger vehicles may require 6 to 8 liters. I usually prepare enough when replacing it, because after flushing the cooling system, you need to refill it with new fluid. It's best to refer to the capacity data in the vehicle manual. If you only add antifreeze without cooling water, you also need to consider the mixing ratio. Regular replacement is important, and it's recommended to check every two years or 40,000 kilometers to prevent engine overheating or corrosion. If you do it yourself, remember to replace it when the engine is cold for safety, and don't rush to drive out.

[NorahRose]

As an amateur car enthusiast who loves tinkering with cars, last time I replaced the coolant myself, and my car used a full 5 liters of new fluid with good results. When replacing, first drain all the old fluid completely, then slowly add the new fluid to the expansion tank until it reaches the full mark, being careful not to overfill. It's best to buy the same brand of coolant to prevent mixing issues. Performing the replacement when the engine is cold is safer. After the replacement, take a short drive to check the temperature and ensure there are no leaks. Regularly check the fluid level to keep it moderate—neither too high nor too low—to avoid affecting cooling efficiency.

[XavierLynn]

From a practical perspective, the standard amount of antifreeze to replace is about 4 to 7 liters, depending on your vehicle size. Prepare sufficient new fluid for the change and perform the operation when the engine is cold to avoid burns. After draining the old fluid, fill with new fluid up to the maximum mark, then start the engine to allow it to circulate and remove air. Don't just replace the fluid without flushing, as old residue can easily clog the pipes. Regularly changing antifreeze can extend engine life, typically every two years.