Is it necessary to change coolant at a 4S shop?

[Levi]

Coolant does not have to be changed at a 4S shop; it can be replaced by yourself or at a repair shop. The method of adding coolant and usage precautions are introduced as follows: Method of adding coolant: Park the car on a level and solid ground, wait for the engine to fully cool, open the engine hood, and locate the purple oval-shaped water tank on the left side. When the engine is cold, check the coolant level through the side markings of the expansion tank. When filling the coolant, use a suitable cloth to wrap the expansion tank cap to prevent burns from hot coolant or steam. Precautions for using coolant: Do not open the water tank cap or drain valve immediately after driving, as the temperature of the coolant or water is very high at this time to avoid burns. The effective usage period of coolant is generally two years. It should be replaced when expired or if the coolant is found to be dirty. When replacing, be sure to completely remove the old coolant and thoroughly clean the water tank.

[DelAlan]

As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I believe changing coolant doesn't necessarily require a trip to the 4S shop. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, prevents the engine from freezing in winter or overheating in summer, ensuring stable system operation. The replacement frequency depends on the type you use—ordinary coolant typically needs changing every two years, while long-life variants can last four to five years. The process is straightforward: after parking and letting the engine cool completely, open the radiator cap, drain the old fluid, flush the system with water a few times, then refill with new coolant. While 4S shops are professional and use genuine parts, their prices are exorbitant, often charging hundreds just for labor and materials. In reality, reputable chain quick-service shops or well-reviewed local garages are perfectly fine—they use authentic materials too, with transparent pricing that might cost just over a hundred. I've compared several times: though 4S shops have advanced equipment, they sometimes overcomplicate minor issues. Saving money here means more funds for regular maintenance. After replacement, start the car and take a short drive to check for leaks, and don’t forget to periodically inspect the fluid level to ensure safety.

[ValerieDella]

Getting coolant changed at a 4S shop is really not cost-effective for someone like me who's always careful with money. Their quotes often run into several hundred yuan, including labor and branded coolant, when the actual material cost is just a few dozen yuan per bottle. Doing it yourself is much cheaper: wait an hour for the engine to cool down, loosen the drain screw to flush out the old fluid and rinse the system with water, then fill it up with new coolant of the matching type up to the standard line—it'll cost you at most fifty yuan. Alternatively, you can go to a small local garage where they're experienced and use good brands, solving the problem for under a hundred yuan in total. The key is not to buy the wrong type—using the wrong color can damage your car and potentially clog the pipes. I've tried finding tutorials online to learn how to do it myself; the steps are simple and save a lot of money. The savings can then be used for things like changing tires or maintaining the air conditioning system—it's definitely worth promoting to everyone.

[VonHailey]

Coolant replacement is not necessarily a task that must be done at a 4S shop. Coolant primarily serves for antifreeze and heat dissipation, and is categorized into regular and long-life types. During replacement, safely drain the old fluid, flush the system, and add new fluid, ensuring the correct type is matched to avoid mixing errors that could cause blockages. Both DIY and professional repair shops can perform this task, as long as the process is standardized. The advantage of 4S shops lies in their specialized tools and genuine parts, but the cost is higher, making it unnecessary for most regular vehicles. The choice is flexible—select based on your own needs.