How much antifreeze is needed at a time?
3 Answers
Generally, 5 to 6 liters are required, which should be added in two stages. Below is relevant information about antifreeze: Functions of antifreeze: The full name of antifreeze is antifreeze coolant, meaning a coolant with antifreeze properties. It prevents the coolant from freezing and expanding in cold winter conditions when the vehicle is parked, which could otherwise cause the radiator to crack or damage the engine cylinder block or head. In cold weather, it prevents parts from failing or cracking due to cooling issues, manages rust prevention, and avoids excessive scale buildup that could clog pipes. It has functions including corrosion inhibition, scale prevention, boiling prevention, freeze protection, and rust prevention. Application of antifreeze: Antifreeze is a type of coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. Its freezing point varies with the concentration of ethylene glycol in the aqueous solution.
I remember asking a technician this question during a service once. He said the amount of coolant needed depends entirely on the radiator capacity. For sedans, 5-6 liters is usually enough, and my SUV took 7.5 liters. However, when topping up, don’t focus on the total volume—instead, check the high and low marks on the coolant reservoir. The fluid level should be in the middle when the engine is cold. It’s a good idea to check the level every time you wash your car. If it’s below the minimum line, top it up with the same color coolant—never mix different colors. Last week, I noticed my neighbor’s old Passat was leaking coolant, and upon inspection, we found a cracked hose. The key is to err on the side of caution—overfilling can cause the coolant to overflow when hot, potentially corroding components.
My experience with adding antifreeze to my old car is: topping up half a liter is sufficient for daily use, while a complete refill requires preparing 4-6 liters. Last time, the mechanic used a pressure test and found that the radiator cap wasn’t sealing properly, causing slow evaporation, which forced me to add half a bottle every month. A reminder to everyone: always prepare specialized dilution fluid, as using tap water can cause scaling. My habit is to test the freezing point before winter; if temperatures drop below zero, I switch to a lower freezing point antifreeze. In the south, a standard -25°C antifreeze will suffice. I’ve seen beginners pour it directly until it overflows, leading to high-temperature splashing and burns after starting the engine—always remember to operate when the engine is cold.
