How to Replace Car Antifreeze?
2 Answers
Car antifreeze replacement method is: 1. Open the vehicle's engine hood, the antifreeze reservoir can be seen in the upper right corner; 2. Open the antifreeze plug under the radiator to drain the old antifreeze; 3. Add new antifreeze, tighten the cap, and the antifreeze replacement is completed. The functions of antifreeze are: 1. Providing anti-corrosion protection for the engine's cooling system; 2. Preventing water from boiling when the engine temperature reaches 100 degrees Celsius; 3. Preventing scale formation to avoid reducing the radiator's cooling effect; 4. Ensuring the engine operates normally at low temperatures. The chemical components of antifreeze are: inorganic calcium chloride CaCl2, organic methanol CH3OH, ethanol C2H5OH, ethylene glycol C2H4O2, glycerol C3H5(OH)3, lubricating oil, sugar, and honey.
Changing car coolant sounds complicated, but it becomes simple once you get started. I've done it several times, and the first step is always to let the car cool down—wait a few hours or overnight to avoid burns from hot pressure. Open the engine hood, locate the radiator cap, and slowly twist it open to release pressure, being cautious of steam. Then, find the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator, use a wrench to open it, and let the old fluid drain into a large bucket for proper disposal—don’t pour it randomly to avoid environmental pollution. After draining, I flush the system: pour distilled water into the radiator, start the engine to idle for a few minutes, then drain it again. Repeat this two or three times until the water runs clear, preventing residue corrosion. When adding new coolant, choose a 50/50 mix or pre-mixed solution, pouring it directly into the radiator up to the MAX line. Start the car and let it run for ten minutes, then turn the heater to the highest setting to help remove air bubbles. Afterward, check the fluid level and top it off if needed before sealing the cap. Replacing it every two years helps protect the radiator from rust, prevents freezing in winter and overheating in summer. Doing it yourself saves on repair costs, but make sure to have gloves and a drain pan ready.
