How to Deal with Mixed Coolant?
2 Answers
If coolant has been mixed, it is necessary to completely drain the coolant from the radiator, rinse it with pure water, and then refill with new coolant. It is essential to use the same brand of coolant. Different brands of coolant may have varying production formulas. If mixed, chemical reactions between multiple additives are likely to occur, rendering the additives ineffective. Methods for selecting coolant: The basic indicators of coolant are freezing point and boiling point. The market offers coolants with freezing points of -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, -40°C, etc. Generally, it is advisable to choose a coolant with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. Methods to determine if coolant is low: Observe the coolant warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to low coolant, though it could also be caused by excessively high engine temperature. Check the coolant reservoir. If the level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and promptly add coolant. Check the water level marks on the coolant tank. The normal coolant level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. If the coolant is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage of coolant.
When I drove my old car, I mistakenly mixed green and red antifreeze. At that time, I didn’t understand the difference and topped it up incorrectly, which led to a slight radiator blockage and rising engine temperature. Chemical reactions between different antifreeze types can produce sediment, corrode the engine, clog coolant hoses, and affect the boiling point, making overheating more likely. I immediately pulled over and found a nearby repair shop. They used professional equipment to flush the entire cooling system three times, ensuring all the old fluid was removed before refilling it with new antifreeze of the same brand. It cost me 400 yuan, but the car ran normally afterward. Now, I always double-check the antifreeze type during maintenance to avoid mixing. A reminder to everyone: if you accidentally mix antifreeze, don’t force the car to keep running. First, check if the engine temperature is abnormal. If it’s severe, tow the car directly to a repair shop to prevent engine failure.
