The antifreeze should be added to the car's radiator, which can be located by opening the engine hood. The full name of car antifreeze should be anti-freeze coolant, meaning it is a coolant with anti-freezing properties. Car antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing and expanding in cold weather, which could damage the radiator and crack the engine cylinder liners. Antifreeze is not just for winter use—during regular vehicle maintenance, the engine antifreeze should be replaced, with higher replacement frequency for special-purpose vehicles. Functions of Antifreeze: Anti-Freeze Function: This is the most basic function of car antifreeze. The freezing point of antifreeze is relatively low, and using it in winter prevents the cooling system from freezing. Proper use of antifreeze ensures the car operates normally even in cold weather, which is the primary reason many car owners add antifreeze. Cooling Function: Car antifreeze is also known as coolant. When the car engine is running, it generates a large amount of heat, most of which needs to be dissipated through the cooling system. Due to its material composition, antifreeze has a relatively low boiling point, making it effective for cooling and heat dissipation. Anti-Corrosion Function: The car's cooling system is made of metal, which is prone to electrochemical corrosion over time. Severe corrosion can paralyze the cooling system. Antifreeze usually contains corrosion inhibitors to effectively prevent corrosion in the cooling system. Anti-Scale Function: Scale can easily form in the cooling system, adhering to the outer surface of the cylinder and significantly reducing thermal conductivity, thereby diminishing cooling efficiency. Antifreeze typically contains deionized water to prevent scale buildup. Precautions: Different types of antifreeze should not be mixed, as this may cause chemical reactions, sedimentation, or bubbles, reducing effectiveness. When replacing antifreeze, flush the cooling system with clean water before adding new antifreeze and water. Label any remaining antifreeze to avoid confusion. Since different antifreeze formulations have varying freezing points due to their composition and ratios, choose one based on local temperature conditions. The antifreeze's freezing point should generally be 10°C to 15°C lower than the local minimum temperature to prevent failure. If the antifreeze level drops due to a leak in the cooling system, add the same type of antifreeze. If the drop is due to evaporation, add distilled or soft water to the cooling system. If suspended particles, sediment, or odor are detected, replace the antifreeze entirely and clean the cooling system. Ethanol-based antifreeze is volatile, so take precautions against fire. If the engine overheats, do not open the radiator cap or shut off the engine immediately, as rapid temperature changes may cause antifreeze to spray, leading to injury or fire. If the ethanol level drops due to evaporation, replenish with 80% ethanol. Ethylene glycol is an organic solvent—avoid spilling it on rubber parts or painted surfaces, and take care not to let it contact the skin. If spilled, rinse immediately with water to prevent corrosion or skin damage. Antifreeze should be used year-round. Some drivers use antifreeze only in winter and switch to plain water in spring, only replacing it again in winter. This can lead to corrosion and damage in the cooling system, potentially causing the engine to overheat or even crack the cylinder head, significantly shortening the car's lifespan. For vehicles with high mileage, such as taxis, high-quality antifreeze should be replaced annually, while those with low mileage can replace it every two years.
