Should You Top Up or Replace the Coolant When It's Low?

[VonJoshua]

You can top up the coolant when it's low. It's appropriate to add coolant when the level is below the standard mark, filling it up to the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir. Coolant is a special additive-containing fluid 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 throughout the year. Method for replacing coolant: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any leaks or cracks in the pipes, with a focus on the five-way hose. The five-way hose is named for its five connections to various parts of the engine. Coolant flows through the five-way hose and is distributed to different parts of the car to perform its function. If there are any signs of coolant leakage in this area, replace the hose or resecure the connections as needed. Drain the old coolant and then flush the channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir and continue filling until water flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Then, start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water draining from the reservoir may appear slightly pinkish. Continue adding clean water until the outflow is clear. Remember to remove the heater hose and drain all the water from the heater. After draining for about an hour, add the new coolant through the radiator hose to allow it to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, add another container of coolant to the reservoir until it's nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. As some air is expelled from the cooling system, the coolant level will drop slightly. Top it up again until it reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.