What is the optimal position for car antifreeze?

[DeBrandon]

It is advisable to fill the car antifreeze to the midpoint between the upper (MAX) and lower (MIN) marks on the reservoir. The method for replacing antifreeze is as follows: Before completely replacing the antifreeze, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with particular attention to the five-way water pipe. Antifreeze flows through the five-way pipe and is then distributed to different parts of the car to function. If there is any leakage of antifreeze in this section, replace the water pipe or re-secure the connection as needed. Drain the old antifreeze, then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the antifreeze reservoir and continue filling it until water continuously flows 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 of the reservoir may appear slightly pink. Continue adding clean water until the outflowing water is clear. Note: Remember to disconnect the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. After draining for about an hour, add the new antifreeze through the radiator hose. Then, pour another container of antifreeze into the antifreeze reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the car and let it run for about 10 minutes. During this time, the coolant level will drop as some air is expelled from the cooling system. Add more antifreeze until the level reaches the "MAX" mark on the reservoir.

[OwenAnn]

I've been driving for over a decade, so let me explain the coolant level properly. When you open the hood, it's usually located in a corner of the engine compartment – a translucent plastic reservoir marked with MIN and MAX lines. Always check when the engine is cold; never reach in right after driving as it can scald you. The ideal level is midway between the marks. Too low and the engine will overheat; too high risks overflow that can corrode components. Coolant isn't just for winter antifreeze – it's crucial for summer cooling too. Check every six months. If low, don't just add water – mixing colors can cause chemical reactions. Use distilled water only in emergencies if OEM fluid is unavailable. Last year I forgot to check before a road trip and nearly wrecked my engine when the temperature warning light came on halfway.

[MiaAnn]

Last time I helped my neighbor check the car, locating the coolant reservoir wasn't actually difficult. Just lift the hood and you'll see a square tank with a cap, marked with a thermometer symbol on top, usually near the headlights or fuse box. I always make it a habit to check the level before starting a cold engine - the fluid should at least cover the pipe opening at the bottom of the tank. The higher position design helps air bubbles escape, but don't fill beyond the MAX mark. If it keeps running low, watch out for leaks in the system - a cracked radiator can cost big bucks to fix. A buddy of mine once tried cutting costs by mixing tap water, only to have limescale clog the heater core, leaving him shivering all winter. Proper coolant can last 20,000-30,000 km - check its color during seasonal maintenance; if it looks murky or rusty, it's time for a complete replacement.

[Johnson]

When teaching my child to identify car parts, I always emphasize the location of the coolant. It's the colorful tank next to the engine—pink or green ones are easy to spot, with a transparent window on the side to check the fluid level. Keeping it at the midpoint when the engine is cold is safest, ensuring stable water pump pressure. Remember not to top it up with tap water, as impurities can clog the cooling system. Replace the fluid every 20,000 kilometers; mixed coolant can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C. Last time, I mistook the windshield washer reservoir for the coolant tank and poured in half a bottle of washer fluid—had to drain it immediately and refill properly.

[LeJulia]

The new car comes with a liquid level sensor, but the positioning principle remains unchanged. The fist-sized pressure tank in the cooling system, usually located on the right side of the engine bay, is connected to the metal radiator via a rubber hose. If the liquid level is too high, thermal expansion can force open the pressure relief valve, while a level too low may expose the radiator core and lead to engine overheating. When checking, turn the blue cap counterclockwise to open it, but never do this when the engine is hot! The ethylene glycol-based coolant formula has a boiling point above 110°C, and mixing with oil residue can cause foaming. Once, a car wash attendant mistakenly opened the engine oil cap thinking it was the coolant reservoir, nearly causing a fire.