
The coolant in a 2018 Sagitar should be replaced every two years or 40,000 kilometers. It serves functions such as anti-corrosion, anti-scaling, anti-boiling, anti-freezing, and anti-rust. The 2018 Sagitar is a compact car with the following dimensions: length 4753mm, width 1800mm, height 1462mm, wheelbase 2731mm, fuel tank capacity 50 liters, and curb weight 1355kg. The front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a multi-link independent suspension. It is equipped with a 1.2T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 116PS, maximum power of 85kW, and maximum torque of 175Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

I've been driving my 2018 Sagitar for almost five years. The maintenance manual recommends replacing the antifreeze every 4 years or 80,000 kilometers. However, based on actual usage, it really depends on the specific vehicle condition. In northern regions where winter temperatures drop to -20°C, it's best to change it every 2-3 years. Last year before winter, a freeze point test showed it could only withstand -15°C, so I promptly replaced it with new long-life antifreeze. For drivers who push their cars hard, it's advisable to check the fluid level and color annually – if it turns yellow or the level drops frequently, it's time for a change. A repair shop mechanic taught me a useful trick: performing a cooling system pressure test can help predict aging issues with hose connections and gaskets, which is actually more important than simply replacing the antifreeze.

My 2018 Sagitar was advised to replace the coolant during its third-year maintenance. The 4S dealership said the original coolant only lasts three years, and prolonged use could corrode the radiator internals. For self-inspection, pay attention to three things: check if the overflow tank level is consistently below the minimum mark, feel if the lower hose temperature is abnormal, and sniff the engine bay for any sweet leakage odor. Remember to thoroughly flush residual coolant when replacing, as mixing different brands can cause flocculation. When purchasing coolant yourself, look for G12evo certification—last time I bought the Prestone Long-Life formula on JD.com for just 128 yuan.

The neighbor, an experienced mechanic, said antifreeze replacement shouldn't solely depend on age. His 2018 Sagitar hasn't had its antifreeze changed at 60,000 km yet - he checks the concentration monthly with a refractometer. For southern city commuter cars with low mileage, it can last 4 years, but vehicles making frequent short trips need earlier replacement as repeated engine heating/cooling cycles accelerate antifreeze acidification. Those with modified intercoolers must pay special attention to cooling efficiency, recommending replacement every 2 years. Last time he filled the radiator with 75% concentration antifreeze, leaving 25% space for thermal expansion, which provides better cooling than using pure antifreeze.


