Should You Top Up or Replace the Antifreeze When It's Low?
1 Answers
Antifreeze can be topped up when it's low. It is appropriate to add antifreeze when the level is below the standard mark, filling it up to the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir. Antifreeze is a coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and resisting scale and corrosion year-round. Method for replacing antifreeze: Before completely replacing the antifreeze, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with a focus on the five-way hose. The five-way hose is named for its five connection points to various parts of the engine. Antifreeze flows through the five-way hose and is distributed to different parts of the car to function. If there is any leakage of antifreeze in this section, the hose should be replaced or the connections re-secured as needed. Drain the old antifreeze, then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the antifreeze reservoir and continue filling until water flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water flowing out will have a faint pink tint. Continue adding clean water until the outflow is clear. Note: Remember to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater. After draining for about an hour, add the new antifreeze through the radiator hose, which allows the antifreeze to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, add another container of antifreeze to the reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. During this time, the coolant level will drop slightly as air is purged from the system. Top up the antifreeze again until it reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
