Which Port to Add Car Coolant?
2 Answers
Car coolant is generally added at two locations: one is in the engine compartment's antifreeze reservoir, and the other is in the radiator. The specific location depends on the vehicle model. Below are the functions of coolant: 1. Winter antifreeze: To prevent the coolant from freezing and causing the radiator or engine block to crack when the car is parked in winter, the freezing point of the coolant should be about 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in the region, preparing for sudden weather changes. 2. Anti-corrosion: The cooling system components, such as the radiator, water pump, cylinder block, cylinder head, and water distribution pipes, are made of steel, cast iron, brass, copper, aluminum, tin, and other metals. Due to the different electrode potentials of these metals, electrochemical corrosion can easily occur in the presence of electrolytes. Additionally, acidic byproducts from the decomposition of glycol in the coolant and acidic exhaust gases from fuel combustion can seep into the cooling system, accelerating corrosion. Corrosion in the cooling system can cause failures in the radiator's lower tank, injector sleeves, cooling pipes, joints, and radiator tubes, while corrosion products can block pipes, leading to engine overheating or even failure. If corrosion causes perforation, coolant leaking into the combustion chamber or crankcase can cause severe damage, as mixing coolant or water with engine oil creates sludge and deposits, reducing lubrication and causing valves, hydraulic valve lifters, and piston rings to stick. Therefore, a certain amount of anti-corrosion additives is added to the coolant to prevent corrosion in the cooling system. 3. Anti-scaling: The coolant should minimize scale formation during circulation to avoid clogging pipes and impairing the cooling system's heat dissipation function. 4. Anti-boiling: Coolant that meets national standards typically has a boiling point above 105°C, compared to water's boiling point of 100°C. This allows the coolant to withstand higher temperatures without boiling, meeting the cooling needs of high-load engines to some extent.
As a veteran driver with 30 years of experience, I have personal insights about adding coolant. You need to locate that translucent plastic reservoir in the engine compartment, usually near the front right side, called the expansion tank cap. The engine must be completely cooled before operation, otherwise steam ejection may cause burns. When I was younger, I forgot to check the temperature while refilling on the highway and nearly had an accident. When adding, unscrew the cap and slowly pour coolant until it reaches the MAX line. Don't forget to check if the color and type match, as mixing different coolants can corrode the pipes. I recommend checking the level every two to three months, especially before hot summers. Low coolant levels can cause engine overheating and malfunctions, so I always keep a spare bottle in my home garage.
