When to change antifreeze in a car or fill in fresh antifreeze: when is it necessary to replace the coolant

Main function of antifreeze

– engine cooling. Untimely replacement can lead to serious consequences, in particular, engine overheating. The correct choice of high-quality antifreeze will help you avoid this.

What is antifreeze?

Antifreeze is the universal name for coolants for internal combustion engines. It is a mixture of water with one of the elements: ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, alcohol.

What functions does antifreeze perform in a car?

—

Cooling the engine and maintaining its optimal temperature;
—
Protection of the cooling system from freezing, corrosion, scale and cavitation (water hammer, which causes destruction of the metal);
—
Is a lubricant for the pump.

Why do you need to change antifreeze?

The most important thing in the composition of antifreeze

- these are additives. Over time, their properties are lost, and ethylene glycol and water, of which antifreeze mainly consists, begin to become corrosive. Do you want a hole in the radiator? Ride on the old antifreeze for another six months.

Due to corrosion products (rust particles) in the coolant, the thermostat can become jammed, the pump impeller can collapse, the pump bearing can depressurize, the radiator and even engine channels can become clogged. All this can lead to engine overheating. At first, engine overheating leads to an increase in fuel consumption, then to a decrease in engine power. Constant overheating reduces its service life by 2-3 times.

These consequences can be avoided thanks to high-quality antifreeze and its timely replacement. Periodically look into the expansion tank and check the antifreeze. If you notice low fluid levels, clouding of color, or the appearance of deposits in the form of rust, you need to change the antifreeze.

Which coolant to choose? Choose quality!

1

.
We recommend choosing organic coolant because... it: -
resists cavitation more effectively;
—
not aggressive to aluminum, rubber and plastic parts;
—
does not form gel or sediment;
—
works at lower temperatures;
—
the most important thing is that organic coolant does not interfere with heat transfer.

2

. It's no secret that 40% of the cost of antifreeze is additives.

Accordingly, in cheap coolant

- cheap additives, which means that such important properties as pump lubrication, protection against corrosion, scale and cavitation, such a liquid will perform much worse than a high-quality one.

3.

When purchasing antifreeze, pay attention to the following:

- Color.

Choose the color of antifreeze that is in your car.
— Antifreeze service life
.
The service life of conventional antifreeze (Long life coolant type) is 2 years. The service life of long-life antifreeze (such as Power Coolant Super long life coolant) is 4 years. — Freezing point of antifreeze.
The optimal freezing temperature for antifreeze is (-40C) and (-50C).
If the antifreeze has a freezing point (-60C), then it must be diluted with water, because the composition is too concentrated and promotes corrosion and aggressive action on rubber parts (pumps). And replacing a pump is an expensive and time-consuming process. - Country of Origin
. In the field of automobile and engine manufacturing, the Japanese are recognized leaders; Japanese companies such as Tanikawa Yuka (manufacturer of TCL antifreeze) develop, produce and supply antifreeze both for the first conveyor filling at the Komatsu plant and for after-sales service of cars in Japan. Therefore, the quality of antifreeze is the same as in new Japanese cars.

Thanks to these simple rules and recommendations, you can choose a high-quality antifreeze that is ideal for your car, thereby avoiding unpleasant consequences when using low-quality antifreeze and engine overheating.

The cooling system is responsible for stable engine operation. Corrosion, scale, and small foreign particles can interfere with the normal functioning of the car. It is important to carry out preventive maintenance, replace and add coolant in a timely manner.

After how many kilometers should you change the antifreeze in your car?

Different brands of cars require filling with liquids on different bases. Let's consider how often you need to change the coolant in a car.

1. Kia Rio: scheduled replacement occurs once every 120 thousand km, or 8 years.
2. Hyundai recommends replacing the technical fluid of the Solaris model after 200 thousand km or 10 years of use.
3. On the Lada Grant, replacement is carried out after 75 thousand kilometers or after five years of operation.

Next, how often to change VAZ antifreeze. On a car, the manufacturer recommends replacement every 2 years or 60,000 km.

• Renault Logan: the composition should change after 6 years (90 thousand km).

Fluid replacement intervals

Having a car is not enough just to be able to drive it. It is necessary to know the replacement intervals for technical fluids. The trouble-free operation of all systems depends on this. Fresh fluid extends the life of the parts it comes into contact with.

Periodically, your car has to change the lubricant in the engine, gearbox, coolant and brake fluid.

Rules for replacing technical fluids

Each type of liquid has its own service life. Manufacturers have established certain intervals for their replacement.

The replacement procedure is not particularly difficult. Each driver can do this himself. The main thing is to know when and why to change fluids.

There are situations when the fluid needs to be replaced ahead of schedule. This can happen with engine oil, coolant or brake fluid.

Before replacing, you must purchase fresh fluid. In this case, you should know how much volume is needed. The choice should be made in accordance with the car manufacturer's recommendations.

If you do the replacement yourself, you need to prepare a container in advance where the old liquid will be drained. For work, you need to use special protective gloves to prevent liquid from getting on the skin of your hands.

All used fuel and lubricants products must be disposed of appropriately.

Power steering fluid change interval

Power steering ensures smooth and comfortable driving. For power steering to function, a sufficient volume of fluid in the system is necessary. To control its level in the engine compartment, there is a special tank with the corresponding MAX and MIN marks, or, if there are no inscriptions on the tank, then the tank cap performs the function of a measuring probe.

The normal power steering fluid level may vary depending on the specific vehicle model. During normal operation of the power steering system, there is no need to frequently add fluid, but in the event of a leak and depressurization, the fluid level may drop to a critically low level. The main signal that something is wrong with the steering system is a suddenly “heavier” steering wheel. In this case, it is necessary to check the fluid level and contact a service station to diagnose the operation of the entire steering system.

Many manufacturers claim that power steering fluid does not require replacement during the entire life of the vehicle. However, this statement is wrong. Power steering fluid, like any other technical fluid, has its own service life. Therefore, it is recommended to change the power steering fluid 1-2 times a year, depending on operating conditions. The maximum recommended interval for replacing power steering fluid is every 80 - 100 thousand km. mileage

Brake fluid change interval

A properly functioning braking system is the key to the safety of the driver and his passengers. It is necessary to monitor its serviceability regularly. For operation, brake fluid is poured into the system. Depending on the manufacturer, it may differ in composition and name. When choosing a fluid for your car, you should strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This applies not only to the brand, but also to the brake fluid replacement interval.

To control the brake fluid level, there is a reservoir with two marks: for minimum and maximum volume.

During normal operation of the brake system, topping up is not required. At the same time, it must be taken into account that brake fluid is hygroscopic. Over the course of a year, it can absorb 2-3% of water from the air. In this regard, corrosion will begin to appear on the inner walls of the parts over time, and the liquid itself will lose its properties. As a result, this can affect the operation of the entire braking system: braking efficiency will decrease, and the braking distance, on the contrary, will increase.

Sometimes it is not known when the brake fluid was last changed. This often happens when buying a used car. In this case, you can contact a service station, where they will check its quality using a special device and, if necessary, carry out a replacement procedure. In normal condition, brake fluid has a clear golden color.

The recommended frequency for replacing brake fluid is every 1-2 years, regardless of mileage, or after a mileage of 60,000 km (whichever comes first). You should not change the brake fluid more often, as this will not have any effect.

Coolant (antifreeze) replacement interval

Antifreeze or antifreeze is used as a coolant in cars. Less common is ordinary water, as it promotes corrosion.

The frequency of replacing the coolant may depend on the operating conditions of the vehicle. Monitoring the engine cooling fluid level is not difficult. To do this, there is an expansion tank in the engine compartment with two marks: minimum and maximum. The exact level can be monitored on a cold engine. If necessary, add coolant to the expansion tank. This has to be done more often than with other technical fluids, since the degree of evaporation of the coolant is very high.

If it is necessary to replace the antifreeze in a car, then this should be done only when the engine has cooled down sufficiently. It is strictly forbidden to open the radiator cap while it is hot.

It is not recommended to mix different types of coolants with each other.

If you are replacing the coolant yourself, then you need to choose the right type of fluid: antifreeze or antifreeze, and also check whether it is a concentrate that needs to be diluted with distilled water.

The frequency of replacing antifreeze in a car, as well as antifreeze, is every two to three years or after 60-70 thousand km. vehicle mileage.

Gearbox oil change interval

There are two main types of transmissions: manual and automatic. The method for checking the oil level in them may differ depending on the design. Sometimes this requires taking the car to a service station.

The service life of transmission oil in different cars is from 20 to 60,000 km. The manufacturer often indicates the timing of oil changes on the packaging.

The timing of the transmission oil change may be influenced by the operating conditions of the vehicle. If the gearbox overheats frequently, oxidative processes in the oil begin to activate. In this regard, tar deposits are formed. The lubricant begins to lose its anti-wear and extreme pressure properties.

External factors can also affect the rate of oil wear. If dust or water gets inside the unit, it will lose its lubricating properties.

A more precise frequency of changing transmission oil depends on the design of the gearbox and the type of oil.

Synthetic oil for automatic transmission / manual transmission

• Under normal operating conditions, 60,000 km or every 2 years.
• Under severe operating conditions, 30,000 km or every year.

Mineral oil for manual transmission

• Normal conditions - 50,000 km / 2 years.
• Severe conditions - 25,000 km / 1 year.

Robotic gearboxes and CVTs deserve special attention. The required oil level in these units is extremely important for their normal operation.

In such boxes it is recommended to change the oil every 25,000 - 30,000 km. Many car owners adhere to this recommendation, regardless of the operating conditions of the car. It is especially important to observe this interval for older cars.

It is advisable to change the oil in the automatic transmission and variator at a service station. If you simply drain the lubricant from the unit, some of it will remain in the torque converter, pump and valve body. When pouring, fresh oil will mix with old oil and lose some of its properties.

Compliance with replacement intervals for technical fluids is vital for the normal functioning of vehicle components. Neglecting this will inevitably lead to unpleasant consequences.

Why change antifreeze in a car?

A liquid that is resistant to low temperatures is used to cool the engine. In the CIS countries, the name “antifreeze” has taken root, but it is a separate liquid in the car.

The composition of antifreeze is water with glycerin, alcohol, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, and various additives. Exposure to high temperatures can change the chemical composition of the mixture. In this regard, it is important to remember after how long to replace the coolant. According to the international classification, there are three types of coolant: G11, G12, G13 (silicate, organic acids or propylene glycol).

Why is a “bad” product dangerous?

If the used fluid is not replaced in due time, the operational life of the engine is reduced by at least half. If you use the wrong product, the following problems may occur:

• overheat;
• metal oxidation (destruction of the thermostat, pump impeller, radiator contact with the cylinder block);
• sediment (typical in the presence of silicic acids in the composition);
• cavitation (formation of bubbles in a solution, essentially a harbinger of “boiling”).

There are no uniform standards. Why? In practice, these are silicate liquids that have not been tested by the manufacturer. For a long life of antifreeze, experienced drivers recommend not heating the internal combustion engine (especially in summer) above 90 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, productivity may decrease with increased fuel consumption.

Why does antifreeze change color?

The manufacturer has the right to paint the product in any color. There is a generally accepted, but not mandatory, coloring scale:

Let's look at why antifreeze changes color. During operation, additives are produced and a change in coolant color becomes an indicator. For some brands, the indicator is discoloration rather than a change in shade.

Timing for coolant replacement and required volume

First, it is worth deciding on the timing of replacing the coolant on the VAZ 2107. And here everything is simple - every 60 thousand km or once every three years. This is when using original AvtoVAZ antifreeze. If you are pouring a different liquid, you should look at the manufacturer’s recommendations. But it’s better not to change the timing - on domestic roads, the coolant resource is used up quickly.

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The volume of antifreeze in the system is the same for all Zhiguli models - 9.85 liters. To replace the coolant in a VAZ 2106, you need the same amount of antifreeze as in a VAZ 2101 or 2107. Here you should take a 10-liter container (or two 5-liter containers). It is recommended to purchase Lada antifreeze. This is an original coolant suitable for any AvtoVAZ car. When choosing an alternative, you should take antifreeze of class no lower than G12, with a freezing point no higher than -40 degrees Celsius.

It is also worth paying attention to signs of depletion of antifreeze life . You need to look at the following points:

• Constant engine overheating. The thermometer needle is in the red zone, the fan is running continuously, and steam is coming from the radiator. It occurs more often in the summer, but in worse cases it also happens in winter. But we must remember: the problems listed can also be associated with malfunctions of the cooling system. If the antifreeze has been replaced and the situation has not improved, it is worth checking the functionality of the thermostat, fan, and water pump.
• Unpleasant smell from the radiator. The decomposition products of used antifreeze smell unpleasant. But we must take into account that the appearance of this smell indicates that all replacement periods have already passed. And it is possible that repairs will now be needed.
• Change in color and consistency of antifreeze. If the fluid has darkened slightly but remains clear, replacement is not yet required. But if the antifreeze has thickened, dirt has appeared, and the color can no longer be determined, then it must be changed immediately.

In the described cases, replacement is carried out immediately, regardless of the timing. It’s also worth considering that there are currently no new VAZ 2107s available. And in used cars, the condition of the fluid should be checked immediately after purchase. And if necessary, replace it with high-quality antifreeze.

When to change coolant

For some coolants the service life is 3 years, for others 5, for others 10 years. There are a number of factors that change the numbers and the replacement will have to be accelerated. We'll tell you why to do this further.

You can check the condition of the coolant using test strips, which will change color when exposed to antifreeze. The scale will show whether it is possible to postpone the procedure.

The second method is visual. When the liquid has a red tint, becomes cloudy or transparent, it already contains corrosion products. Sediment and foam indicate that it needs to be checked at a service station. Unscheduled replacement occurs when components are repaired or premature loss of properties.

Recently, a new device has appeared: an automatic system replacement machine that only needs access to the radiator filler neck. Every motorist needs to know what to add in winter and how to change the coolant at home.

Draining and flushing the system of used fluid, filling in a new solution with your own hands

Read the instructions for your machine before any manipulation. Take care of your skin and mucous membranes, as the refrigerant is an aggressive solution. Drain according to the instructions (often the algorithm includes removing the radiator cap, placing a container under the cylindrical blocks and using the heater tap to start the cleaning process).

Flushing the cooling system is sometimes carried out using distilled water (typical for new models). In older cars it is better to use special fluid. Cleaning with water occurs with the internal combustion engine on for ten minutes. It is recommended to leave the flushing agent to “stand” for another 15 minutes, and then repeat the cycle with H2O.

Antifreeze: change or top up?

The additives stop working, the water evaporates, and periodic renewal is needed. If you add only distillate, there will not be enough substances to protect the system.

If the level is low, check the system for leaks. If none is found, it is worth topping up.

Compatibility of compositions of the same color is optional (see above). To choose the right coolant, you need to follow the car manufacturer's recommendations. Different liquids should not be mixed. The reason is that additives can neutralize each other and react. Such a substance will not protect/cool.

Principle of operation

The main place in a car is not the driver’s seat or even the steering wheel, but the engine. It is even called the heart. And this is not without reason, because the correct functioning of this heart directly determines whether the car will go or not. And in order not to destroy such an important technical unit, it is necessary to maintain a certain temperature and cool it in time.

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The operating principle of this system is quite simple, but at the same time technically well thought out. It is connected by pipes to the engine itself, the radiator and the interior heater. To understand the importance of these elements, you need to know their main functions:

• Maintaining the required temperature.
• Engine cooling.
• Warming up the car interior.

In the first case, for engine operation and proper combustion of the fuel mixture, a certain and stable temperature is required. If it is higher or lower, it has a very bad effect on the engine. In the second case, the engine is protected from overheating, which can lead to deformation of some parts inside.

If you exclude the last item from the list, then operating the car will become impossible in cold weather. And a key role in this system is played by a special liquid, without which the presence of a cooling cycle would be meaningless.

Types of coolants

To absorb heat and remove it from hot spots in the engine, the system requires coolant. There are several types of cooling liquids:

• Water.
• Antifreeze.
• Antifreeze.

But in the harsh realities of the Russian climate, the use of water as a coolant is impractical. And it boils away very quickly, having a rather low thermal conductivity. You don’t even need to mention how it affects the occurrence of corrosion.

Antifreeze is the most common among domestic car owners, but it has some disadvantages, for example, the formation of an oil film inside the vessels and pipes, which prevents normal heat transfer. Accordingly, heat removal becomes ineffective.

The third option has more pros than cons. Firstly, antifreeze begins to crystallize at very low temperatures, that is, it does not freeze, which is why it got its name. This advantage allows the use of antifreeze even in the Far North. Secondly, the thickness of the oil film formed inside the vessels is very small, thanks to which almost nothing interferes with the transfer of heat. This is achieved due to the fact that antifreeze, unlike antifreeze, is made from organic components.

The main disadvantage of antifreeze is its price, especially if you need to replace the entire fluid. Antifreeze wins here, and it is more rational to use it in car models such as the VAZ-2101 or VAZ-2106. In models of the domestic automobile industry with impressive age and mileage, the cooling system often becomes a sore and vulnerable spot. Therefore, the owners of these cars need to know the principle of operation of the cooler and understand how to repair it, which will help avoid spending on services and auto repairmen.

Antifreeze - how to change

Changing antifreeze begins with draining the old one. This is not always easy, for example, look on the Internet for a video of the process on a Scania truck, where truckers are trying to fix problems on the spot.

On a cold engine, remove the tank or radiator cap, insert an unnecessary container, and unscrew the drain plug. The liquid should be completely drained and the system should be cleaned several times (fill with water, turn on the engine for 10 minutes). To obtain the desired effect, it is better to add 20% antifreeze (10% concentrate) or a special substance to the water.

Heat removal mechanism repair

Before you begin repairing the cooling system, you need to find out the volume of liquid poured into it. But even completely draining the old antifreeze, it will not be possible to fully establish the exact figure. To do this, it is still recommended to refer to the vehicle’s operating manual, where all the necessary regulations and parameters are indicated.

The manufacturer assures that the working volume of the VAZ-2106 engine cooling system is nine liters, but it is worth considering that you need to add about a liter to this volume in order to add antifreeze to the expansion tank to the minimum mark. In addition, a thrifty and prudent driver must have a spare liter container of coolant in the trunk.

It turns out that before replacing the cooler or repairing the entire system, you should purchase about eleven liters of antifreeze. However, when making repairs, you can save a little by leaving most of what you bought in reserve.

Cooler drain

Before any operation on the cooling system, you must first allow the engine to cool to avoid serious injury. Then the liquid filling the system will need to be drained. To do this correctly, you have to figure out how it works.

The cooling system has two stages of operation. They can be called cycles and divided into two circles:

1. Big.
2. Small.

The small circle is limited by the engine itself and some pipes, and it is intended to ensure that the engine quickly reaches the temperature necessary for proper operation. This is important so that the fuel mixture burns more efficiently with a higher efficiency. When the temperature rises to a certain point, a special valve opens, releasing liquid in a large circle. The purpose of this cycle is to directly cool to an acceptable temperature.

The large circle includes a radiator with a fan, which is turned on by a special thermostat and the air flow cools the system and the engine. All liquid is driven by a pump or pump. It also creates the required pressure in the cooling system.

First of all, the antifreeze is drained from the large circle through the radiator, in the left corner of which there is a special drain valve. To do this, you need to prepare a special container with a wide neck. Then a special plug is unscrewed from the engine itself and drainage occurs from the small circle, that is, directly from the engine.

If necessary, all pipes are removed, which need to be changed if necessary, but if they do not have visible damage, cracks or leaks, then you can also save money on this. After all the liquid has drained, the necessary repairs are made.

Correct refilling with antifreeze

After completing the necessary work, all drain holes are closed, and the pipes are put in place, and the VAZ-2106 antifreeze is replaced. The liquid that was drained into the container can be reused by carefully filtering it through cheesecloth before doing so. The cooling system is refilled through the expansion tank.

You should try to pour the liquid carefully, without spilling it on the body, in order to avoid subsequent corrosion. When the liquid stops being absorbed, you need to warm up the engine to the maximum temperature at which the damper opens, releasing antifreeze in a large circle.

Before refueling, it is necessary to measure the required amount in order to control the filling of the system. After the engine warms up, the liquid will again leave the expansion tank, which will mean filling a large circle with antifreeze. Next, all that remains is to add the missing liquid to the minimum mark. Overflowing above the level is not recommended , since when heated, the antifreeze expands, and the pipes or expansion tank may not withstand the pressure created by the pump! After refueling is completed, you must ensure that the cooling system is tight and there are no leaks.

The operation of replacing the coolant in a VAZ-2106 is not that complicated, but it will help you save some time, money, and most importantly, you will have confidence that the work was done efficiently.

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Replacing antifreeze on Renault Logan

First, let's place the car on a flat surface with access to the bottom. To replace antifreeze on Renault Logan, you need to remove the crankcase protection. We unscrew the clamp securing the radiator pipe, replacing the container.

Next, unscrew the valve of the fitting located on the air release hose. After draining, we mount the pipe back with a new clamp. Fill with coolant and check the system for leaks by closing the valve plug. Start the car and add the mixture to the required level.

On VAZ 2114

On domestic brands of cars, coolant replacement is carried out in a similar way. The only thing you should stock up on in advance, besides the container, is a 13- or 17-size wrench or socket wrench. Without it, it will be difficult to open the radiator cap.

The antifreeze from the cylinder block will have to be drained into a bucket. If liquid gets on any parts of the car, they must be thoroughly wiped with a dry cloth.

On VAZ 2110

How long it takes to change the antifreeze in a car depends not only on the duration of use, but also on the model of transport. For domestic VAZ 2110 cars, the following recommendation applies: the coolant must be changed every 5 years or after 70 thousand km. In all other respects, the replacement procedure does not differ significantly from the previously described procedure.

On Lada Granta

Similar recommendations (70 thousand km or 5 years of mileage) should be used for the Lada Granta car. Unlike earlier VAZ models, on this machine, before draining the old antifreeze, you will have to remove the middle mudguard of the engine compartment. Since it is secured with bolts and screws, you must first prepare a key and a screwdriver.

If the engine has 16 valves, the starter will have to be removed to access the drain holes. This can be done with a 13 mm spanner. To completely replace all the antifreeze in the system, approximately 7.8 liters of coolant will be required.

Replacing antifreeze Lada Granta

The car plant recommends filling with G-Energy, Sintex, Felix Carbox fluids.

You need to give the engine time to cool down and relieve pressure by twisting the expansion tank cap. To get to the radiator drain plug, you need to remove the engine protection. The plug is located at the bottom of the right radiator tank.

Screw the cap on the expansion tank and remove the drain plug. Substituting the container, wait until the antifreeze is completely removed. For sixteen-valve engines, the starter will have to be removed before draining. On eight-valve engines, the drain hole is located in the front of the cylinder block, below the ignition coil. The fluid should be added after the engine has warmed up.

Fill in

If the first part of the procedure was successful, then you can safely proceed to the second.

1. Tighten the bolt.
2. Fill the radiator with the required amount of antifreeze or antifreeze.
3. Remove the hose and let the substance flow into it so that it flows out the other side. Lift the tank, insert the hose and pour in completely.
4. Turn on the engine before the fan starts.
5. Turn it off and check the sensor and level.
6. Now tighten the radiator cap and tank cap. Screw on the cap and close the hood.

Done, the replacement in the VAZ 2106 was completed successfully.

Replacing antifreeze Kia Rio

We remove the left mudguard and find the tap in the radiator tank. We substitute the vessel and open the drain. To increase the intensity of the drain, unscrew the filler neck. Using a pear, we pump out the remains from the expansion tank, clean it, and fill in a new one.

Warm up the engine for two minutes, add liquid to the neck, and repeat warming up. If necessary, add antifreeze. The correct level is a few cm above the L mark.

The use of already used coolant is the cause of most vehicle power unit malfunctions. After prolonged use, both antifreeze and antifreeze lose their properties. Because of this, the cooling system endures greater loads, which leads to a decrease in engine failure time. Therefore, it is better not to wait until it is too late to change the antifreeze, but to replace it in a timely manner.

About additives

As I wrote above, they contain a secret formula, and because of them, it is precisely the antifreeze or antifreeze that needs to be changed after a certain mileage.
If you leave only ethylene glycol (propylene glycol) + distilled water in the composition. This composition will work, but it is extremely aggressive. That is, after a short mileage, it will begin to corrode your pipes, radiators, pump, thermostat, and even the engine block (it corrodes aluminum well, as well as various gaskets).

To prevent this from happening, manufacturers began adding additives to the composition. They, so to speak, neutralize the “aggressive nature” of the coolant.

But the additives (if you don’t go too deep inside, they differ “specifically”), there are three types in total:

• Inorganic additives
  - usually phosphates, borates, silicates, nitrites, and many others
• Organic additives
  - usually use carboxylic acid, hence the name "carboxylate"
• Hybrid
  is the most advanced type; two types are used here: organic and a small part of inorganic substances. In simple words, we found a formula that will combine two types in one at once.

So, you need to change antifreeze or antifreeze precisely because of what additives are used in your composition. They all work, different periods of time

Why change the coolant?

Why should coolant replacement be done promptly and regularly? It's all about its composition. The main component of coolants is ethylene glycol. Less commonly used is propylene glycol, since its cost is much higher. Both of these substances have a low freezing point (crystallization point) and a lower coefficient of expansion when transitioning to a solid state. This makes them suitable for use in the cold season.

At the same time, ethylene glycol causes corrosion when interacting with metal parts of the cooling system. Aluminum components are especially susceptible to its aggressive effects. Therefore, distilled water and special additives, including corrosion inhibitors, are also added to the refrigerant composition.

Various coolants

It is these additives that lose their properties with prolonged use of the cooling solution. In addition, the coolant may become unusable earlier than expected. Its protective properties quickly decrease when exhaust gases, steam, or when two different solutions are used, enter the cooling system.

Lobrid formulations

Low hybrid liquids. They are often labeled as G13-classified coolants. They have a composition that is significantly different from all other similar products.

They are based predominantly on propylene glycol. They are the safest for the cooling system. They need replacement very rarely after about 250,000 km.

How often should this be done?

There is a general recommendation regarding how often antifreeze should be changed. It is recommended to change the refrigerant at least once every 2 years, or after 30 - 45 thousand km of vehicle mileage. The frequency of replacing “Antifreeze” must be observed taking into account the following indicators: the condition of the car, its mileage, the brand, manufacturer and composition of the coolant itself, as well as the solution used previously. Products with silicate-based additives need to be changed every 2-3 years. Hybrid fluids lose their properties after 3-5 years, and carboxylate antifreezes can “work” without replacement for 5 or more years.

Recently, carboxylate refrigerants have begun to appear, designed for a gap of 100 thousand or more kilometers, but their choice is not yet very wide.

As already mentioned, the solution may lose its properties earlier than expected. Therefore, you need to check its condition from time to time. There are a number of ways to help determine when to change antifreeze:

1. Special test strip. The most rational and simple way. You can buy it in the same place where you buy antifreeze. When the strip is immersed in the solution, it acquires the appropriate color. The test strip comes with a color scale that makes it easy to determine how much fluid is left before replacement.
2. Refrigerant consistency. The acceptable density for Tosol is 1.078 gcm3 at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. This is the optimal temperature for measurements. Waste liquids have different densities.
3. Color. Typically, antifreeze that is unsuitable for use loses its bright color and becomes more faded or cloudy. A red or rusty tint indicates the presence of rust. This product should not be used.
4. The presence of dense formations. A characteristic sign of spent cooling solution is also the presence of foam, sediment, flakes or chips from scale. Sometimes a mushy mass forms on the internal surfaces of the expansion tank. If these signs occur, the antifreeze needs to be replaced.

Waste antifreeze

The suitability of a coolant can be easily determined visually or using special means. A timely replacement solution will help keep the engine cooling system in working condition longer and avoid costly car repairs.

Useful tips

As practice shows, experienced car enthusiasts know how much coolant is in a particular engine and how to change antifreeze in a car. It would seem that everything is simple, we drained the old coolant, prepared and filled in a new one to the level, and also, if necessary, got rid of air pockets. However, this is not all.

Unfortunately, not everyone takes into account that the service life of the new coolant also directly depends on the quality of the replacement itself. In other words, you need to consider how to change antifreeze correctly. In this case, the features of the replacement will depend on certain features.

We also recommend reading the article about why antifreeze boils and bubbles in the expansion tank. In this article you will learn about the main reasons why coolant boils.

• First of all, if the system is initially clean, and exactly the same antifreeze is poured as it was before, then you can limit yourself to the usual replacement of antifreeze according to the “drain and fill” scheme. In this case, it is important to drain the antifreeze from both the radiator and the engine (if possible).
• If rust and contaminants are noticeable in the antifreeze or a transition is made from one type of coolant to another (for example, from TOSOL to G12+ antifreeze), then the engine cooling system must be flushed before replacement. It is better to flush with ready-made compounds from well-known brands, although for many internal combustion engines simple methods of flushing the cooling system with citric acid, etc. are also suitable. Flushing should be carried out from one to 2-3 times (depending on the overall degree of contamination of the system).

It is quite obvious that this approach will allow you to get rid of the remnants of old fluid in the system and avoid mixing used and new coolant. Flushing also allows you to remove rust, scale and deposits from parts of the cooling system. Let us also add that for different cooling systems, car manufacturers recommend using only the recommended type of antifreeze. So, this recommendation is also quite important.

In short, a situation may arise when, after filling in the wrong type of coolant, individual elements of the cooling system begin to deteriorate, corrosion becomes more active, etc. It is not difficult to guess that in this case, both the service life of the antifreeze and the parts and elements of the engine cooling system itself will be noticeably reduced.

What happens if the antifreeze is bad?

Antifreeze that has lost its properties

can damage the cooling system components or even the motor. ... In the first case, the cylinder head suffers, in the second, the risk of engine overheating increases, which also risks hitting the capital.

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How is timely replacement useful?

Start systematically changing the antifreeze in your car and get rid of many engine problems, namely:

• corrosion . It not only harms all metal components, but also greatly reduces heat transfer inside the engine. Corrosion layers inside the radiator channels reduce coolant circulation. A similar situation is observed with water pressure in the Soviet water supply of high-rise buildings;
• motor overheating . Violation of heat exchange causes banal overheating of the power plant, which greatly affects fuel consumption and significantly reduces power;
• sediment _ The problem of silicate type antifreezes. Careless replacement of such products contributes to the formation of insoluble sediment deposited on the walls of the radiator and other components. The result is overheating;
• cracks _ Diluting the coolant with an impressive amount of water (especially ordinary water) causes an increase in the freezing point. Sudden temperature changes and constant changes in the state of aggregation of antifreeze (frozen-thawed) will cause cracks in the expansion tank. In the future it may even be torn apart;
• cavitation _ This is the process of gas bubbles appearing in a liquid, which burst and significantly reduce the pressure in the system. The damage appears at the molecular level, but the consequences are no less dire. Fresh coolant creates an invisible enveloping film on the inner surface, protecting against erosion.