To Which Level Should Car Antifreeze Be Filled?
2 Answers
Car antifreeze should be filled between the min and max marks on the expansion tank, and should never exceed the max mark. If too much antifreeze is added, it is recommended to remove some. The expansion tank is designed to accommodate the antifreeze as it expands when heated. If there is too much antifreeze in the tank, it may lead to excessive pressure. The full name of antifreeze is antifreeze coolant, and its primary function is not to prevent freezing but to cool. Antifreeze coolant prevents freezing in very low winter temperatures, as liquid freezing can cause expansion, potentially damaging the engine's water passages and cooling system.
Last time I added coolant to my car myself, I also pondered for quite a while. Open the engine hood and locate that translucent plastic tank, commonly referred to as the expansion tank or auxiliary reservoir. The key is to observe the scale marks on the side of the tank, which indicate the MIN (minimum) and MAX (maximum) levels. When the engine is cold, the fluid level must be between these two marks to be considered appropriate. From my experience, if the level drops below the MIN line, it's necessary to promptly top it up with coolant of the same color, but never exceed the MAX line—especially right after a long drive when the fluid expands due to heat. Overfilling can cause it to spray out from the overflow tube. When checking, remember to use a flashlight to clearly illuminate the scale marks, as poor lighting can easily lead to misjudgment. Typically, it's recommended to check every 5,000 kilometers, and you can also take a quick glance while washing your car.
