Where to Add Car Antifreeze?
2 Answers
Car antifreeze is added to the antifreeze reservoir in the engine compartment. The full name of antifreeze is antifreeze coolant, which is a type of coolant containing special additives, primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. The functions of antifreeze are: 1. To protect the components of the cooling system; 2. To prevent scale formation and avoid reducing the radiator's heat dissipation; 3. To ensure the engine operates within the normal temperature range. Precautions for using antifreeze include: 1. Try to use the same brand of antifreeze; 2. Confirm the product is within its validity period when adding; 3. When replacing, drain the old fluid completely, clean the cooling system thoroughly, and then add new antifreeze; 4. Avoid diluting it with water; 5. For vehicles using antifreeze, never directly supplement with tap water.
When it comes to the location for adding antifreeze, I must tell you it's in the expansion tank in the engine compartment. Typically, you can spot it after opening the hood—it's a translucent plastic container with either a thermometer-like symbol or the word "coolant" marked on its cap. I recommend performing this operation at least one hour after parking and turning off the engine, as hot liquids from a warm engine can spray out and cause burns. Always use the same type of antifreeze when topping up; avoid mixing different colors or types—for instance, don't add red to green, as this can trigger chemical reactions that damage the pipes. Check the fluid level before winter to ensure it's between the min and max lines. If it's low, top it up with the manufacturer-recommended mixture ratio to prevent engine freezing or overheating. Remember to inspect it regularly—generally every six months or 10,000 kilometers—to maintain a healthy and durable cooling system.