What are the precautions for adding antifreeze to a car?

[MaverickFitz]

The precautions for adding antifreeze to a car are as follows: It is necessary to use the same brand of antifreeze. Different brands of antifreeze may have different production formulas. If mixed, various additives may undergo chemical reactions, causing the additives to become ineffective. The basic indicators of antifreeze are the freezing point and boiling point. The freezing points of antifreeze available on the market include -15℃, -25℃, -30℃, -40℃, etc. Generally, it is advisable to choose one that is at least 10℃ lower than the lowest temperature in your region. For vehicles that operate for long periods, such as taxis, high-quality antifreeze should generally be replaced once a year. For vehicles with shorter operating times, it can be replaced 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-lasting antifreeze can have a validity period of up to three years. If suspended matter, sediment, or signs of deterioration or discoloration are found in the antifreeze, it should be replaced promptly, and the system should be cleaned.

[TaliaLee]

I've been driving for twenty years and have added antifreeze to many cars. The first key is to operate when the engine is cold; opening the radiator cap when the engine is hot can scald you like a pressure cooker. The antifreeze type must be precise, and different colors cannot be mixed, especially ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, as mixing them can cause gelation and clog the pipes. In the north, where temperatures drop to -30°C, you need antifreeze with a freezing point of -45°C, while in the south, choose one with at least -25°C. The filling amount should be kept between the min-max marks on the expansion tank for safety—overfilling can cause overflow during high-temperature expansion, corroding the wiring. Don’t forget to replace the antifreeze every two years or 40,000 km; aged antifreeze, like expired milk, can cause engine rust. Before replacement, remember to completely drain the old fluid and flush the radiator, as mixing old and new fluids reduces cooling efficiency.

[DiLane]

I check the cooling system for my car buddies every week, and the most overlooked aspect when topping up coolant is brand compatibility. Last time, a young guy mixed green and red coolants, which ended up clogging the entire cooling circuit. My advice is to stick with one brand—different formulations can create flocculent deposits. Always have gloves and goggles ready when handling it, as the acidic liquid can cause burns if it splashes on your skin. Don’t cut costs by diluting it with tap water; mineral deposits can clog the radiator fins in just three months. If you notice the fluid level is below the MIN line, don’t rush to top it up—first, check for leaks in the radiator or water pump. After adding coolant, start the engine and let it reach 90°C, then observe the coolant level dropping by about half a centimeter once the electric fan kicks in—this is the most accurate time to top it up to the midline. Long-term neglect of coolant changes can lead to engine cylinder liner corrosion, and that expense will far outweigh the cost of regular coolant replacements.

[Joy]

Three key principles for adding antifreeze: safe operation, proper selection, and standardized procedures. Always open the cap only when the engine is completely cooled – opening it while hot can cause boiling liquid to erupt up to two meters high. Choose antifreeze based on color to determine formulation; avoid mixing organic types with traditional ones whenever possible. Select a product with a freezing point at least 10°C lower than your region's coldest temperature (-35°C is safer for North China). Fill to the middle mark of the expansion tank – overfilling will cause leakage through the pressure relief tube. In emergencies, distilled water can be added temporarily, but remember to replace with fresh antifreeze within three months. Check fluid levels monthly during routine maintenance, and replace the entire system if cloudiness appears. Don't skip the biennial replacement – the cost of repairing a damaged cooling system could cover twenty years' worth of antifreeze.

[McBradley]

My auto repair shop sees cases of incorrect antifreeze handling every day. The most dangerous is hot engine operation—last week, someone scalded their palm badly. Color matching is crucial: blue, green, red, and orange formulas differ, and mixing them creates corrosive gel. When purchasing, check compliance standards—mixing G12 and G13 is a recipe for trouble. Freezing points should reference local record lows: -25°C for southern regions, -45°C for Heilongjiang. Always flush the system during replacement—old residue acts like glue in new fluid, impeding flow. After adding, run the engine for ten minutes and squeeze hoses to purge air bubbles, which cause localized overheating. Never store antifreeze containers in sun-exposed trunks—they degrade and fail within six months at 45°C.