How often should car antifreeze be added?
4 Answers
Antifreeze should be added every two to three years. Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, mainly used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It has excellent properties such as preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and preventing scale and corrosion throughout the year. Method for replacing antifreeze: The lower part of the radiator, the lower part of the engine, and the small radiator inside the car can be drained clean. It should be noted that after draining, the vehicle should be started for 5 seconds and then turned off (when the engine is cold). Precautions for replacing antifreeze: Generally, when replacing antifreeze, if it is the same type (either ether or ethylene glycol), there is no need to worry about draining it completely. If different antifreeze is being replaced, you can add clean water 1-2 times after draining the old antifreeze and run the engine before adding new antifreeze. This minimizes the content of the original antifreeze. Even if the water is not completely drained, it does not matter because all antifreeze contains water. After replacing the antifreeze, pay attention to testing the specific gravity, as too high or too low is not good.
I've been driving for almost ten years, and I've learned that keeping an eye on the coolant is crucial. Especially before winter sets in, you must check it. Pop the hood and look at the transparent reservoir of the overflow tank—if the level is below the minimum mark, it's time to top it up. Folks in the south might go two years without worrying, but in the northeast where temperatures drop to -30°C, I've seen radiators crack from freezing. Never mix different colors of coolant—mixing pink and green can cause gelation and clog the system. Mechanics say regular coolant should be replaced every two years, while long-life coolant can last up to five. A quick glance at the coolant level while washing your car is the easiest way to stay on top of it. If the overheating warning light suddenly comes on, pull over immediately—don't push your luck.
After years in this industry, I've found that 90% of car owners neglect their coolant. Don't be fooled by its quiet presence in the expansion tank - it's responsible for dissipating engine heat in high temperatures and preventing freezing in cold weather. My advice is to check the fluid level monthly; if it drops rapidly, inspect for leaks. The three mainstream colors (red, blue, green) each have unique formulations - mixing them can cause chemical reactions. I've seen cases where cooling systems got clogged with flocculent deposits. New cars typically don't need coolant top-ups for the first three years, but after that, test the freezing point annually before winter using an antifreeze tester. Replace it if protection falls below -25°C - don't wait until the dashboard overheating warning lights up.
Last maintenance, the technician taught me a lesson: coolant isn't just about adding water! Tap water can cause scale buildup and corrode the radiator. The manual specifies a 24-month replacement cycle, so I set a phone reminder. Since it evaporates faster in summer, I keep half a bottle of OEM coolant of the same color in the trunk to top up when the level drops below the MIN line. Modified cars need extra attention—turbocharged models run at higher temperatures, and cooling system failures can lead directly to engine seizure. Last time, my neighbor's coolant turned brown, and testing revealed a blown head gasket. In case of sudden coolant loss, use distilled water as an emergency stopgap.
