How Much Antifreeze Should Be Added to a Vehicle?
2 Answers
Car antifreeze should be added according to the remaining amount of antifreeze in the car. If there is no remaining antifreeze at all, it should be 6 to 7 liters, which generally applies to newly assembled vehicles. For vehicles that have been drained and refilled, it is usually 5 to 6 liters. How to determine if antifreeze is lacking: Observe the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to a lack of antifreeze, although it could also be caused by excessively high cylinder temperatures. Check the antifreeze reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), you should not continue driving and need to add antifreeze promptly. Check the water level scale markings on the antifreeze bottle. The antifreeze level should normally be between the maximum and minimum water levels. Whether antifreeze is lacking depends on the scale. If the antifreeze level is below the minimum water level, it indicates a lack of antifreeze.
I've been driving for many years and changed coolant quite a few times, always paying special attention to the amount added. Generally speaking, there's no fixed value—it depends on your car model. Most cars have an expansion tank in the engine compartment with MIN and MAX level marks. You just need to fill the coolant to slightly below the MAX line. Adding too much may cause overflow and damage the engine, while too little can lead to cooling system failure, risking frozen pipes in winter. Personally, I prefer checking when the engine is cold to ensure a stable fluid level. I glance at it every six months and top it up if the level is low. Coolant isn't pure liquid; it's typically a 50% antifreeze and 50% water mixture. Too high or too low concentration affects performance—for example, less antifreeze raises the freezing point, while too much water increases boiling risk, so it's best to mix according to the manual. Seasonal checks are especially crucial, particularly before northern winters, as prevention saves major trouble. In short, just fill between the marks—don't guess the amount.
