How Much Antifreeze Should Be Added Each Time?
2 Answers
Generally, 5 to 6 liters of antifreeze should be added, divided into two additions. Some vehicles may require a top-up after driving three to four kilometers because antifreeze naturally depletes over time. However, there is no strict regulation on the exact amount to be added for each vehicle, as it depends on the specific condition of the car. Method for Replacing Antifreeze: Before completely replacing the antifreeze, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes. Pay special attention to the five-way water pipe, which gets its name from the five connecting interfaces that link various parts. Antifreeze flows through this pipe and is distributed to different sections of the car to perform its function. If there is any leakage of antifreeze in this area, replace the water pipe or reseal the interface as needed. Drain the old antifreeze and then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the antifreeze reservoir and continue filling it 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 draining from the reservoir may have a faint pink tint. Keep adding clean water until the outflowing water is clear. Remember to remove the heater hose and drain all water from the heater core. After draining for about an hour, add the new antifreeze through the radiator hose to allow it to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, add another container of antifreeze to the reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. During this time, the coolant level may drop slightly as air is purged from the system. Top up the antifreeze to the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
When I first started driving, I didn't know how much antifreeze to add either. After buying my first car, I foolishly poured a whole bottle into the reservoir, and within a few days, the overheating alarm went off—it was really scary! Later, a friend told me that the amount to add isn't fixed; you need to check the coolant level—park the car on level ground, wait for the engine to cool, then open the cap to inspect. The fluid level should be between the high and low marks, just fill it up to the MAX line. If it's below the MIN line, you only need to add about half the container's capacity. My car's reservoir is small, so usually adding half a liter to a liter is enough. Don't pour recklessly like I did—too much can overflow, pollute the environment, and waste money. Regular checks are key, especially before winter and summer, to avoid cooling issues and malfunctions. Safety first, right?
