How Much Coolant Should Be Added?
2 Answers
Coolant is generally added in a quantity of 5 to 6 liters, and it should be added in two steps: The first step is when the vehicle is stationary. While adding the coolant, squeeze the rubber hose by hand until the fluid level reaches the midpoint between the maximum and minimum marks. The second step is after the vehicle has been started and driven for a distance. Observe whether the coolant level drops. If it does, stop the vehicle and wait for the engine to cool down before adding more coolant until it reaches the same level as in the first step. The purpose of adding coolant is to raise the boiling point of the engine coolant and lower the freezing point of the cooling water. There are specialized test strips for measuring coolant concentration. The concentration of antifreeze is generally between 35% and 68%, with a recommended value of 50% for most vehicles, meaning a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% pure water to form the engine cooling water.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I must say adding coolant requires careful attention. Every car has a coolant reservoir, usually located near the engine compartment - look for that transparent plastic container marked with MAX and MIN lines. Always check and refill after the engine has cooled down, preferably after leaving the car overnight. When refilling, just reach the MAX line - never overfill because when the engine heats up, the expanding coolant may overflow, which not only wastes fluid but could also corrode components. I learned this the hard way when overfilling once caused strange odors during highway driving, and the radiator nearly leaked due to excessive pressure. Now I make it a routine to check the level every six months, ensuring it stays between MIN and MAX. Also, always use the manufacturer-recommended coolant brand - don't compromise with cheap alternatives that could affect cooling performance.
