Where to Add Antifreeze in a Car?
4 Answers
Car antifreeze is added to the car's coolant reservoir. Antifreeze is usually colored, making it easily distinguishable. After opening the engine hood, check the antifreeze reservoir's water level to see if it's appropriate. If it's below the standard level (between the maximum and minimum marks), you need to add coolant. Always add coolant after the engine has cooled down to prevent burns from hot coolant splashing. Antifreeze has a natural consumption rate, but it shouldn't deplete too quickly. If there's no leakage and the level is low, you can top it up with the same type of antifreeze. Non-long-life antifreeze is recommended to be replaced every two years. Antifreeze has many features, including preventing scale, oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, high boiling point, and antifreeze properties.
As a seasoned driver, here's a trick: Pop the hood and look for the expansion tank labeled 'COOLANT', usually located near the headlights or windshield lower edge. Always check the tank's temperature by touch – only proceed when completely cool. Use only manufacturer-specified coolant, and pour it slowly with a funnel to prevent spills. Once I mixed green and red coolant to save time, which caused flocculation that clogged the heater core. The easiest solution is visiting the dealership before winter for a free freeze-point test and coolant top-up.
I know this well! Locate the hood release lever on the driver's side, pull it to pop the hood, then prop it up securely with the support rod. Look for the translucent plastic reservoir in the engine bay - its cap is usually bright yellow or pink with a wavy line symbol. Remember the engine must be completely cooled before opening, as hot coolant can spray scalding steam. Fill the coolant to between the MAX and MIN marks on the reservoir - never top it up to the brim. When I helped my neighbor refill theirs, I learned that if the level drops below MIN, you must top up with the same color coolant - never mix different colors. Pro tip: if the level drops noticeably every two weeks, you might have a leak in the system that needs immediate inspection.
Last time at the repair shop, I realized there's a knack to it after watching the mechanic operate. Open the engine hood and locate the filler cap with a pressure valve, usually near the radiator. With the engine cold, unscrew the cap and use a refractometer to check the freezing point of the old coolant. When adding, start the vehicle and squeeze the hoses to release air while pouring. Remember, different types of antifreeze have varying anti-corrosion formulations—mixing them can corrode aluminum radiators. If you must use water in an emergency, always use distilled water, as minerals in tap water can cause scaling.
