What is the replacement interval for antifreeze?
3 Answers
Antifreeze should be replaced every 2 years or 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers. Prolonged failure to replace it will degrade the quality of the antifreeze, reducing its anti-corrosion properties and potentially damaging the radiator and pipes. The functions of antifreeze are: 1. To provide freeze protection for the engine in low-temperature environments; 2. To prevent the coolant from freezing and cracking the radiator or damaging the engine block and cylinder head during cold winter parking; 3. To offer efficient heat dissipation. The steps for replacing antifreeze are: 1. Open the car hood after the engine has cooled down; 2. Remove the antifreeze reservoir cap; 3. Lift the vehicle and open the radiator drain plug to release the old antifreeze, then reinstall the drain plug; 4. Lower the vehicle and pour new antifreeze into the reservoir.
I've been driving for twenty years and know antifreeze like the back of my hand. Regular antifreeze lasts at most two years or 40,000 kilometers before needing replacement, especially in northern winters. If the freezing point drops below -25°C and you don’t change it, your radiator is guaranteed to crack. Every year before winter, I test it with a refractometer. If it turns yellow or cloudy, or if there are rust particles floating in it, it’s time for a change. Nowadays, long-life organic types can last five years, but remember—never mix different brands or colors. Blue with blue, green with green is the safest bet. Your engine’s cooling system depends on it, so don’t risk a costly repair over saving a couple hundred bucks.
I've worked in an auto repair shop for twelve years and have changed the coolant for at least a thousand vehicles. The manufacturer's manual recommends every two years or 40,000 kilometers, but it really depends on the driving conditions. For trucks that frequently operate at high speeds and high temperatures, it's advisable to change it six months earlier. For city commuters, exceeding the deadline by a couple of months occasionally is fine. The key is to regularly check the fluid level and concentration—open the engine hood every quarter to check the expansion tank's level; if it's below the minimum mark, top it up with the same color coolant. Last time, a customer mixed red and blue coolants, causing the entire cooling system to crystallize and clog—just the cleaning cost was 800 yuan. When replacing, always flush the radiator; the labor cost is only about a hundred yuan. Skimping on this small expense can lead to big problems.
