How often should antifreeze be replaced?
2 Answers
Antifreeze should generally be replaced every two years or every 40,000 kilometers. Antifreeze is a type of coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It prevents the coolant from freezing during cold winter parking, which could otherwise crack the radiator or damage the engine cylinder block or head. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and resisting scale and corrosion year-round. New coolant should be added when the engine is cold. Fill the coolant up to the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir, tighten the cap, start the engine, and let it idle until it reaches normal operating temperature before shutting it off. Once the engine temperature drops, check the coolant level in the reservoir to ensure it remains at the "MAXT" mark. If not, add more until it reaches the required level.
My driving experience tells me that antifreeze should generally be replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers, or every two years—don’t take it lightly. This stuff works inside the engine to prevent freezing, boiling, and corrosion. If left unchanged for too long, it deteriorates, the pH balance gets disrupted, pipes rust and clog up, and the car is prone to overheating and breaking down on the highway. Checking it is actually simple: pop open the engine hood and look at the color in the coolant reservoir. If it turns cloudy or the level is low, act fast. I set reminders on my phone to avoid trouble during long trips. Different cars have different rules, so check the user manual for specific mileage and time intervals—don’t delay and end up saving small money but losing big. Developing a habit of checking every six months helps spot potential issues early. When replacing, use coolant that matches the original factory specifications for better performance.
