How often should water be added to a car radiator?
2 Answers
How often water should be added to a car radiator is determined by the mileage the car has traveled. Generally, water needs to be added every 20,000 kilometers. Adding water is not done directly; it also requires cleaning the radiator to remove scale before adding water. The timing for adding water is not fixed and depends on the usage of the car. If the car is used frequently or mostly for long-distance travel, it is necessary to pay regular attention to the radiator's condition. When adding water, there are minimum and maximum level marks, and it is best to fill it to the middle position. It is important not to use tap water when adding water, as it contains impurities that can lead to scale buildup. Instead, choose regular household drinking mineral water. In winter, if the area is particularly cold, antifreeze should be added to prevent freezing. If coolant is used, it needs to be replaced after about 20,000 kilometers of driving. If antifreeze is used, the replacement interval is typically one to two years, but it is also essential to monitor the condition regularly during use.
I've been driving for over a decade and found that there's no fixed schedule for topping up the radiator. Normally, modern cars use coolant which can last two to three years before needing replacement. Unless there's a radiator leak, you usually don't need to add water at all. Last time I checked was during maintenance when I noticed the coolant reservoir level was below the minimum mark. The 4S shop mechanic said if you frequently drive long distances, you should pop the hood every three months to check the fluid level. If you notice significant coolant loss, there's an 80% chance there's a crack in the radiator pipes and it needs immediate repair. Remember never to open the radiator cap when the engine is hot - the steam can cause serious burns. Especially in summer, keep an eye on the temperature gauge; if the needle approaches the red line, shut off the engine and inspect immediately.
