How Often Should Engine Coolant Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Engine coolant should be replaced every two years. The steps to replace the coolant are as follows: 1. Drain the original coolant completely by locating the drain valve of the car's cooling system, which is usually at the bottom of the car. Open the expansion tank cap, lift the car, and unscrew the drain plug to drain all the coolant. 2. After draining, fill the radiator and cooling system with clean water to flush out any remaining residue until clear water flows out from the drain. 3. Tighten the drain plug and pour new coolant into the expansion tank until the liquid level is between the MAX and MIN marks. 4. Close the tank cap and start the car. The coolant level in the tank will slowly drop, so you’ll need to add more coolant again, still keeping the level between the MAX and MIN marks.
Having driven for so many years, I've gained some experience with coolant replacement. Simply put, conventional green coolant is recommended to be replaced every two years or 40,000 kilometers, while newer long-life coolants can last about five years. The replacement interval also depends on actual conditions: frequent driving on muddy or dusty roads can lead to more buildup in the cooling system; extra attention should be paid to antifreeze performance degradation in extremely cold northern regions; modified engines require more frequent changes. Personally, I make it a habit to check the coolant level and color every six months—if it turns cloudy, it’s time for a change. Actually, replacing coolant is quite simple—it only costs a few hundred yuan at a 4S shop, which is far more economical than dealing with an overheated engine and major repairs.
