How Often Should You Add Antifreeze?
2 Answers
Antifreeze should be added every two to three years. Below are the methods and precautions for replacing antifreeze: Methods for replacing antifreeze: There are three places where it can be completely drained: the lower part of the radiator; the lower part of the engine; and the small heater core inside the car. Note that after draining, start the vehicle for 5 seconds and then turn it off (when the engine is cold). Precautions for replacing antifreeze: Generally, when replacing antifreeze, if the new antifreeze is of the same type (either ether or ethylene glycol), there is no need to worry about draining it completely. If the new antifreeze is different, you can add clean water 1-2 times after draining the old antifreeze and run the engine before adding the new antifreeze. This minimizes the residual amount of the old antifreeze. Even if some water remains, it won't cause issues since all antifreeze contains water. After replacing the antifreeze, be sure to check its specific gravity—neither too high nor too low is ideal.
I've been driving the family car for several years and know quite a bit about coolant. Under normal circumstances, how often should you top it up? Actually, you don't need to constantly think about adding it—the key is regular inspection and maintenance. I make it a habit to pop the hood every quarter or around every 5,000 kilometers to check the coolant level, ensuring it stays between the minimum and maximum marks. Generally, you won’t need to add any within a year unless a bit evaporates due to heavy driving in hot weather. But if you notice the level dropping frequently, there’s likely a leak—maybe from aging hoses, loose connections, or a faulty radiator. In that case, get it checked immediately, or you risk serious engine overheating or even a blown head gasket. Last time my car had a leak, it cost me over a thousand to fix—a hard lesson learned. In short, coolant mainly prevents freezing and boiling, so maintaining a stable level is crucial. Don’t randomly top it up, as that could damage the system. The maintenance manual recommends replacing it entirely every two years—that’s the safest approach. Stay vigilant, and drive safely.
