How often should coolant be replaced?

[OFernando]

Replacing coolant generally takes about one hour in winter and half an hour in summer. Method for replacing coolant: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipelines, with a special focus on the five-way hose. The five-way hose gets its name from having five connection points to different parts of the vehicle. Coolant flows through the five-way hose and is distributed to various parts of the car to perform its function. If there is any coolant leakage in this section, replace the hose or resecure the connections as needed. Drain the old coolant, then flush the fluid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir, then continue filling the reservoir with water until clean water flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water draining from the reservoir may have a faint pink tint. Continue adding clean water until the water runs clear. Remember to disconnect the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. After draining for about an hour, add the new coolant through the radiator hose. This allows the coolant to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, add another bottle of coolant to the reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. As some air is expelled from the cooling system, the coolant level will drop. Top up the coolant until it reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.

[VonJudah]

I drive quite frequently, so I usually change the antifreeze every two years. If you often drive in cold regions, you need to pay extra attention. Last time, I didn't replace it in time, and when the temperature dropped to minus twenty degrees, the radiator almost froze and cracked. Actually, antifreeze isn't just for preventing freezing—it also protects the engine from rust and corrosion. I make it a habit to check the fluid level before winter. If I find it below the minimum mark, I replace it immediately. If I notice a strange sweet smell in the car, it might indicate an antifreeze leak. Recently, a mechanic told me that some long-life antifreeze can last up to five years, but for regular antifreeze, it's safer to replace it every two years.

[FernandoDella]

Having driven for over a decade, I've learned that coolant replacement cycles mainly depend on two factors: mileage (typically needs changing every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers) and age (most recommendations suggest around two years). However, the specifics also depend on the coolant type and driving conditions. Last time after continuous long-distance driving, I noticed the coolant had discolored and turned black, so I promptly replaced it. Remember to completely drain the old fluid during replacement, and never mix different brands of coolant – I made that mistake before. With temperatures rising, it's crucial to ensure the coolant's boiling point is adequate to prevent overheating in summer.

[BlakelyDella]

The recommended interval for coolant replacement is typically every two years or around 20,000 kilometers, as the technician at the 4S dealership mentioned during my maintenance visit last year. Nowadays, many vehicle manuals clearly specify this timeframe—you might want to check your maintenance booklet. I remember not changing it during my car's first year, and by the second winter, starting the engine became slightly difficult. Upon inspection, the coolant level had dropped significantly and the fluid appeared cloudy. Regardless of season, it's advisable to check the coolant level twice annually. If you notice the coolant thickening or containing sediment, consider replacing it ahead of schedule.

[StephenLynn]

I think coolant acts like a protective shield for the car, and not replacing it on time can affect the entire cooling system. The owner of a repair shop in our neighborhood told me that the shelf life of coolant can be up to five years when sealed, but it's best to replace it within two years after being added to the car. I usually change it during spring and autumn maintenance. Last time they tested the freezing point and said it had dropped to around -15°C, which means it should be replaced immediately. Also, a reminder: when replacing coolant, choose the right type. Friends in the north might need a lower freezing point, while those in the south should opt for a higher boiling point.