What Temperature Rating for Antifreeze Should Be Used?
2 Answers
Antifreeze temperature rating depends on the situation: for local winter temperatures around -10°C to -15°C, if the local temperature is -30°C, the antifreeze's freezing point should be selected below -45°C. The steps for replacing antifreeze are: 1. Open the vehicle's engine hood, and the antifreeze reservoir can be seen in the upper right corner; 2. Open the antifreeze drain plug under the radiator to drain the old antifreeze; 3. Add new antifreeze, tighten the cap, and the antifreeze replacement is complete. Precautions for using antifreeze are: 1. Try to use the same brand of antifreeze; 2. Avoid diluting with water; 3. When adding, confirm the product is within its validity period; 4. If a large amount of particle sedimentation appears, it indicates the antifreeze has deteriorated and should no longer be used.
I've noticed many beginners are confused about the 'degree' of antifreeze. It actually refers to the freezing point number, such as -35°C or -40°C, which indicates the lowest temperature it can withstand before freezing. After buying my car, I spent time researching and found that when choosing, you should first consider the lowest winter temperature in your region. For example, in Beijing, winter temperatures can drop to over -10°C, so I opted for antifreeze with a -35°C freezing point to ensure the engine cooling system doesn't freeze in extreme cold. However, antifreeze shouldn't be used pure; it's typically mixed as 50% antifreeze and 50% water. This ratio achieves the standard freezing point indicated on the packaging. Using it pure increases the risk of corrosion. I also completely replace it every two years to prevent additive failure, which could lead to rust or overheating issues in the system. The key is to check the product label when purchasing to confirm the freezing point grade, avoiding the mistake of buying the wrong specification just to save money, as it can affect the car's durability. Especially during high-speed driving, sudden freezing is no joke and can be quite costly to repair.
