Should I Add Radiator Coolant or Antifreeze in Guangdong?
2 Answers
It is recommended to add antifreeze for vehicles in Guangdong. The full name of antifreeze should be antifreeze coolant, which means coolant with antifreeze function. Antifreeze can prevent the coolant from freezing when parking in cold winter, which may cause the radiator to crack or damage the engine cylinder block or head. How to choose antifreeze: The basic indicators of antifreeze are the freezing point and boiling point. The freezing points of antifreeze on the market include -15℃, -25℃, -30℃, -40℃, etc. Generally, it is advisable to choose one that is at least 10℃ lower than the lowest temperature in the region. How to determine if antifreeze is insufficient: Observe the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it is likely due to insufficient antifreeze, although it could also be caused by excessively high temperature in the cylinder. Check the antifreeze reservoir. If the liquid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and add antifreeze promptly. Check the water level scale on the antifreeze tank. The normal antifreeze level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. Whether the antifreeze is insufficient depends on the scale. If the antifreeze is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage of antifreeze.
In a hot place like Guangdong, of course, you should choose antifreeze! I'm from Qingyuan, my hometown, and I've been driving trucks for over a decade. I've tried using radiator coolant before, to be honest, it tends to overheat in summer. Last year, my friend's car's temperature gauge went off the charts on the highway, all because of using radiator coolant. Antifreeze has a boiling point over ten degrees higher than radiator coolant, especially in Guangdong where temperatures can easily hit 38℃, it's much more reliable for protecting the engine. Plus, the cooling systems in newer cars are very sophisticated, and antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitors, so the radiator and water pump are less likely to rust. Don't try to save money by mixing tap water with radiator coolant; too many impurities can clog the pipes and cause more trouble. I change my antifreeze every two years, choosing the red variety for the highest boiling point, and buying it in bulk at the gas station only costs about a hundred bucks.
