What to Do If Different Coolants Are Mixed in a Car?
2 Answers
If different coolants are mixed in a car, the solution is to completely drain the coolant from the radiator, flush it with purified water, and then refill with new coolant. The functions of coolant are: 1. Providing anti-corrosion protection for cooling system components; 2. Preventing scale buildup to avoid reducing the radiator's cooling efficiency; 3. Ensuring the engine operates within the normal temperature range. Precautions for using coolant include: 1. Avoid mixing different coolants; 2. Do not use low-quality coolant; 3. Do not directly add concentrated coolant to prevent deterioration or excessive viscosity at low temperatures.
I encountered the same situation with my car the other day. As soon as I noticed the coolant was mixed, I immediately pulled over. Different brands of coolant can react chemically, potentially causing sediment buildup that clogs pipes, or worse, corroding the radiator and engine block. I called for a tow truck right away and had it taken to the repair shop. The mechanic first drained all the mixed fluid, then flushed the cooling system three times with distilled water, and finally refilled it with a full bottle of the manufacturer-specified antifreeze. It's actually a good idea to keep a small bottle of the same brand on hand for emergencies to avoid mixing. The repair cost me over 600 yuan, but it was much cheaper than a major engine overhaul.
