Should coolant be added when it is low or completely drained and refilled?
2 Answers
Coolant can either be added when it is low or completely drained and refilled. The steps for replacing coolant are: 1. Open the vehicle's engine hood, and you can see the coolant reservoir in the upper right corner; 2. Open the coolant drain plug under the radiator to drain the old coolant; 3. Add new coolant, tighten the cap, and the coolant replacement is complete. Precautions for using coolant are: 1. Try to use the same brand of coolant; 2. Avoid diluting it with water; 3. When adding, ensure the product is within its validity period; 4. If a large amount of particle precipitation appears, it indicates that the coolant has deteriorated and should no longer be used.
I often come across friends asking what to do if the coolant level is low. Personally, I think if it's just a slight shortage, like when the cold engine check shows the level near the MIN line, simply topping it up with new coolant is sufficient—it's convenient and cost-effective, no need for drastic measures. The key is to ensure the old and new coolants are of the same type, meaning their color and formula shouldn't be mixed randomly, as this can lead to sedimentation clogging the cooling system or accelerating corrosion. Before each top-up, I clean the filler cap to prevent contaminants from entering, then slowly pour until reaching the MAX line. However, remember, if the fluid appears discolored, cloudy, or has a rusty smell, it might have deteriorated, and a complete replacement should be considered. Otherwise, under normal maintenance, topping up is no big deal—just don't delay too long to avoid engine overheating and component damage. Regular checks of the coolant reservoir can save you from major troubles.
