Should You Add Water or Antifreeze to a Car's Radiator?

[AliyahLee]

It is better to add antifreeze to a car's radiator. If water is added, scale may form when heated, potentially clogging the cooling system. Vehicle antifreeze generally needs to be replaced every 2 years or 40,000 kilometers. This is just a reference interval. For commercial vehicles with higher mileage, the replacement cycle should be shorter. Since driving conditions vary for each vehicle, the replacement should be based on actual usage. Check the antifreeze's condition—if it is insufficient, replenish it promptly. If suspended particles, sediment, or signs of deterioration or discoloration are found, replace the antifreeze immediately and clean the system. The key indicators of antifreeze are its freezing and boiling points. Market-available antifreeze comes in specifications with freezing points of -15°C, -25°C, -30°C, -40°C, etc. Generally, choose an antifreeze with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in your region. Always use the same brand of antifreeze. Different brands may have varying production formulas, and mixing them could lead to chemical reactions between additives, rendering them ineffective.