How often should the coolant in a Fit be replaced?
2 Answers
The coolant in a Fit should be replaced every three years or 30,000 kilometers. The functions of coolant are: antifreeze, anti-corrosion, and preventing scale buildup. Taking the 2020 Fit as an example, it is a compact car with body dimensions of: length 4096mm, width 1695mm, height 1525mm, a wheelbase of 1530mm, a minimum ground clearance of 105mm, and a curb weight of 1058kg. The 2020 Fit is equipped with a 1.5L inline 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 131ps, a maximum torque of 155Nm, and a maximum power of 96kW, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
I've been driving a Fit for several years, and coolant is something you can't overlook. It's recommended to change it every three years or every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Otherwise, engine overheating can lead to serious trouble. I follow this schedule myself, regularly popping the hood to check the fluid level and color changes. If it appears cloudy, black, or has sediment, it's time to replace it immediately. The manual might say to change it every three years when the car is new, but in actual use—especially if you frequently drive on highways or face heavy traffic—the wear is greater, so you might want to change it a bit earlier. If you skip the change, the antifreeze capability declines, making it prone to freezing and pipe bursts in winter, while poor heat dissipation in summer can cause engine failures. Spending big on repairs is worse than sticking to regular maintenance. You can top up small gaps with distilled water, but a full replacement is the only way to be completely at ease. Once you develop good habits, the car runs smoothly with fewer issues.
