
Comprehensively check the pipes for any cracks or signs of leakage, with a focus on the five-way pipe. The coolant must flow through the five-way pipe before being distributed to different parts of the car. Drain the old coolant and clean the liquid channels with clean water. Allow clean water to continuously flow through the engine cooling system, circulating the water. Continue injecting clean water until the water coming out is clean. To allow the coolant to flow quickly into the radiator, after draining for about 1 hour, add the new coolant through the radiator's water pipe.

Adding water to your car sounds simple, but extra caution is needed in practice to ensure the cooling system's safety. As an experienced driver who's been through multiple repairs, I always wait for the engine to cool down completely before adding water—usually 30 minutes to an hour until it's no longer hot to the touch. Then, locate the radiator cap or the coolant reservoir nearby, and slowly unscrew the cap without rushing, as hot steam can cause burns. When topping up, it's best to use a 50:50 mix of dedicated antifreeze and distilled water, since plain tap water may freeze in winter or corrode pipes. Use a funnel to pour slowly until the fluid reaches the MAX mark, avoiding overfilling. After adding, run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the coolant, then recheck the level and top up if needed. Remember to wear gloves for protection against splashes to eyes or skin. If unsure, consult the owner's manual or seek a mechanic's help—after all, this affects your car's health.

As a car enthusiast, I often study engine cooling systems. Adding water actually refers to adding coolant. The key to the whole process is preventing high-temperature damage, and it must be done when the engine is cold—at least 30 minutes after parking. First, locate the coolant reservoir or radiator tank under the hood, then gently open the cap to release pressure. I use pre-mixed antifreeze because it's more convenient than DIY mixing, avoiding engine overheating or freezing issues caused by incorrect concentrations. Use a funnel to control the flow rate when pouring, and fill up to the MAX mark. After that, start the engine and let it run for two minutes, then recheck the fluid level to ensure stability. This habit can extend component life and prevent pipe corrosion. A reminder: if you notice the fluid level is consistently low, there might be a leak—get it checked immediately and don’t neglect it.

Adding water to the car is a good practice for beginners, but it must be done step by step to ensure safety. The first step is to park the car for at least an hour to let the engine cool down, and only proceed if the cap isn't hot to the touch. I locate the coolant reservoir, usually a small plastic bottle at the front of the engine, marked with MIN and MAX lines. After unscrewing the cap, slowly pour in the mixed antifreeze water—avoid using tap water to prevent corrosion or freezing. Be careful not to spill, and don't overfill; just keep it between the marked lines. Once done, start the engine for a minute to check if the fluid level stabilizes. Maintain ventilation throughout the process and wear gloves to protect your hands.


