What Are the Consequences of Not Changing Antifreeze for a Long Time?
3 Answers
Antifreeze can expire over time, and expired antifreeze may develop impurities. Antifreeze Replacement Cycle: For vehicles that operate for extended periods, such as taxis, high-quality antifreeze should generally be replaced once a year. For vehicles with shorter operating hours, replacement can be done every two years or every 30,000 kilometers. To prevent excessive foam formation, which reduces the heat exchange efficiency between the antifreeze and engine components, ensure the product is within its validity period when adding it. Long-life antifreeze can last up to three years. If suspended particles, sediment, or signs of deterioration or discoloration are observed in the antifreeze, replace it promptly and clean the system. How to Determine a Lack of Antifreeze: Check the antifreeze warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it may indicate a lack of antifreeze, though it could also be due to excessively high cylinder temperatures. Inspect the antifreeze reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and add antifreeze promptly. Check the water level indicator on the antifreeze tank. The normal antifreeze level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. If the antifreeze level is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage.
I've been driving for almost twenty years and have seen many friends suffer heavy losses due to laziness in changing coolant. Deteriorated coolant becomes more corrosive, gradually eroding the radiator, water pump, and engine water channels, forming rust deposits that block water flow. With reduced cooling efficiency, the car is prone to overheating on long trips. Once, due to my negligence, the engine nearly seized on the road, costing over 3,000 yuan in repairs. In winter, it's even worse—weakened antifreeze properties may freeze and crack pipes, leading to leaks and towing fees exceeding a thousand yuan. Over time, parts wear out faster, resulting in piles of repairs. I recommend changing to high-quality coolant every two years or 30,000 kilometers. Proper maintenance saves money and hassle, keeping the car running longer with fewer issues.
As an ordinary employee working at an auto dealership, I've handled too many cases of antifreeze neglect. If not replaced for a long time, the antifreeze becomes more acidic, severely corroding metal components, such as internal rust clogging in the radiator, poor cooling due to blocked waterways, and potential piston ring damage from engine overheating. Customers often complain about water pump leaks, which cost hundreds to a thousand dollars to repair. And when winter temperatures drop, ineffective antifreeze can cause pipes to freeze, crack, and leak—how embarrassing to need a tow truck for rescue. Prevention is key. I regularly change my antifreeze myself, a quick and easy task every two years, protecting vehicle components from damage. Calculating the savings on repair costs makes it quite worthwhile.
