Is It Normal for Antifreeze to Boil After Parking?
2 Answers
Antifreeze boiling after parking is caused by excessively high temperatures inside the cylinder. Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent properties such as freeze protection in winter, boil-over prevention in summer, and year-round anti-scaling and anti-corrosion capabilities. Antifreeze Composition: The main components of antifreeze are: 50% purified water, 40% methanol, and 10% other substances. Antifreeze Replacement Interval: Vehicle antifreeze generally needs to be replaced every 2 years or 40,000 kilometers. This is just a reference interval. For commercial vehicles with longer mileage, the replacement interval should be shorter. Since driving conditions vary for each vehicle, the replacement should be based on actual usage. Check the antifreeze condition regularly—if the level is low, top it up promptly. If suspended particles, sediment, discoloration, or deterioration are observed, replace the antifreeze immediately and flush the system. How to Choose Antifreeze: The key indicators for antifreeze are its freezing point and boiling point. Market-available antifreeze comes in various freezing points such as -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, and -40°C. Generally, select an antifreeze with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. Is it normal for antifreeze to boil after parking?
As a car enthusiast, I've observed that boiling antifreeze after parking is completely abnormal. Under normal circumstances, the cooling system should gradually cool down after parking, with the liquid remaining in a stable state. Boiling typically indicates serious issues in the cooling system, such as an aging or failing water pump that can't circulate the coolant, or a clogged radiator or faulty fan causing residual heat to accumulate in the engine after parking, leading to bubbling and boiling of the liquid. Ignoring this condition may result in engine overheating damage, causing cylinder head deformation or more expensive repairs. I recommend immediately checking if the coolant level is below the minimum mark and looking for any signs of leakage. Also, ensure the radiator fan operates normally when the car is parked. Regular maintenance of the cooling system and replacing the antifreeze can prevent such troubles, especially during hot seasons when extra caution is needed.
