How to Open the Car Antifreeze Cap?
2 Answers
After parking for half an hour, cover the antifreeze cap with a towel, press down on the cap, and twist it counterclockwise with force. Be careful not to open it when the engine is hot or running. Here are some relevant details: 1. Do not attempt to open the antifreeze cap immediately after turning off the engine. (1) The radiator is in a high-temperature and high-pressure state at this time, making the rubber seal difficult to twist. (2) Opening it now may cause scalding coolant to splash out and potentially injure someone; waiting half an hour for cooling is safer. 2. Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It has excellent properties such as preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and resisting scale and corrosion year-round. 3. Strictly speaking, antifreeze is not a consumable item, so there is no need to replace it frequently. There are two main reasons for antifreeze deterioration: (1) Over time, the volatile substances inside deplete, causing the freezing and boiling points to lower; (2) The organic liquids in the antifreeze dissolve a large amount of organic matter from the water passages and pipes over time, leading to turbidity and even deterioration.
Before opening the car's antifreeze cap, you must ensure the engine is completely cooled down. Wait at least three to four hours after the car has been parked or leave it overnight, as the high pressure when hot can cause scalding from spurting hot liquid or steam—I once nearly got injured myself. Locate the round plastic cap under the hood, usually marked with a yellow or green label reading 'Coolant' or displaying a temperature warning icon, positioned near the radiator or coolant reservoir. Slowly twist the cap counterclockwise by hand or with pliers, turning gently until it loosens. You might hear a hissing sound when opening, indicating pressure release—never look directly at it face-on. Once opened, you can check the fluid level or add new antifreeze, but make sure to use the correct type and avoid mixing. Always prioritize safety; close the cap promptly after opening to prevent debris from entering. Regularly checking this while driving helps prevent overheating issues and extends your car's lifespan.
