Why Does Coolant Change Color?
1 Answers
The specific reasons for coolant discoloration include prolonged usage leading to oxidation reactions, contamination with other liquids, or deterioration and impurity accumulation in the coolant. When coolant discoloration is observed, it is recommended to replace the coolant promptly. A fading color indicates that the coolant has begun to deteriorate. The main components of coolant are 50% pure water, 40% methanol, and 10% other substances. Coolants are generally categorized into three types: ethanol-water, glycerin-water, and ethylene glycol-water. Method for Replacing Coolant: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipelines, with particular attention to the five-way hose. The five-way hose is named for its five connecting interfaces that distribute coolant to different parts of the vehicle. If leakage is detected in this section, replace the hose or resecure the connections as needed. Drain the old coolant and flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add water to the coolant reservoir and continue filling until clean water flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Then, start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water draining from the reservoir may have a faint pink tint. Continue flushing until the water runs clear. Note: Remember to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. Approximately one hour after draining, add the new coolant through the radiator hose to facilitate rapid flow into the radiator. Then, fill the coolant reservoir with another batch of coolant until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. As the cooling system expels air, the coolant level will drop. Top up the coolant to the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
