How to Use Car Antifreeze Correctly?
2 Answers
Correct usage of car antifreeze is as follows: 1. Before adding antifreeze, it is necessary to clean the engine's cooling system. Since antifreeze generally contains descaling agents and cleaning agents, if the engine cooling system is not cleaned before use, the existing scale may peel off and clog the water pipes when in contact with the antifreeze, leading to poor antifreeze circulation and causing the engine to overheat. 2. Regular checks are required during the use of antifreeze. The typical shelf life of antifreeze is about 2 years. When adding antifreeze, ensure it is within the valid period and check its color and consistency. If the antifreeze appears deteriorated, has an unusual odor, or becomes cloudy, it should be replaced immediately. Avoid diluting antifreeze with water, as most antifreeze products are not suitable for dilution, which can cause sediment formation and severely impair the antifreeze's normal function. It is also advisable to use the same brand of antifreeze, as different brands may contain different corrosion inhibitors. Mixing them could trigger chemical reactions, disrupting the balance and leading to corrosion of the engine and radiator. 3. Do not directly use concentrated antifreeze. Direct use of concentrated antifreeze not only fails to meet the required freezing point but can also lead to deterioration, increased viscosity, and engine overheating. Therefore, concentrated antifreeze must be diluted as per instructions. Always choose antifreeze from reputable manufacturers. Inferior antifreeze may look similar to genuine products but can clog pipes and corrode the engine block. Hence, it is crucial to replace antifreeze at authorized service centers. Antifreeze serves multiple functions, including freeze protection, boil-over prevention, corrosion inhibition, and scale prevention. Proper selection and use of antifreeze ensure the engine operates efficiently in low temperatures.
I've been driving for twenty years, and you can't be careless with coolant. Usually, pop open the engine hood and check if the level in the overflow tank is between the marked lines. If it's below MIN, top it up with the same brand and color of coolant. Before winter, the biggest concern is the freezing point test. You can buy a small tester for a few bucks, draw out a drop of the old coolant to test. If it's below the local minimum temperature by 20 degrees, it's time to change it. When replacing the coolant, remember to wait until the engine cools down completely, unscrew the drain plug at the bottom to empty the old coolant, then pour in new coolant until the level stabilizes. Nowadays, many long-life coolants claim to last five years, but after driving 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers, it's still advisable to replace it. The impurities in the system can corrode the radiator. Spending a couple hundred bucks on new coolant is better than repairing the engine.
