How Much Coolant Should Be Added?
2 Answers
Coolant needs to be added when it falls below the liquid level. Below is relevant information about coolant: 1. Introduction: Coolant, the full name should be antifreeze coolant, meaning it has antifreeze functionality. Antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine cylinder block during cold weather parking. However, it's important to correct a misconception: antifreeze is not only used in winter but should be used year-round. In regular car maintenance, the engine antifreeze should be replaced every year. 2. Functions of Coolant: (1) Winter antifreeze. To prevent the coolant from freezing and causing the radiator and engine block to crack after parking in winter, the freezing point of the coolant should be about 10℃ lower than the lowest temperature in the region, preparing for sudden weather changes. (2) Anti-boiling. Coolant that meets national standards typically has a boiling point exceeding 105℃, compared to water's boiling point of 100℃. This allows the coolant to withstand higher temperatures without boiling (overheating), meeting the cooling needs of high-load engines to some extent.
As a car enthusiast, I've always believed that regular coolant checks are crucial. That plastic reservoir in the engine bay has clear minimum level markings - once the coolant drops below that line, it's time for a top-up. Don't wait until it's empty, or the engine may overheat, especially during high-temperature summer driving. When adding coolant, make sure the engine has cooled for at least an hour to avoid pressure eruptions that could scald you. Always use the manufacturer-recommended coolant type to prevent chemical reactions from mixing incompatible brands that could damage the system. I recommend checking the level monthly, keeping it between the minimum and maximum lines. If frequent top-ups are needed, there might be a leak in the radiator or hoses - get it checked at a professional shop early to avoid major engine repairs. Remember, coolant doesn't just cool - it also provides freeze protection and safeguards the engine internals.
