Regular replacement of antifreeze is essential to keep the machine running smoothly. It is important to know that you need to replace the coolant every 45 thousand km of the car's run. Then your engine will continue to work as usual, will not corrode and overheat. Also, this procedure is recommended to be carried out once a year. The fact is that special additives in liquids that prevent destructive processes lose their protective properties over time. And when that happens, the radiator and engine begin to deteriorate from electrolyte corrosion.
Determination of the quality of antifreeze
Antifreeze testing is carried out using special strips. They are usually sold with a liquid and have a special scale. If you dip the test strip in liquid, it will change color, and then you can determine the state of the antifreeze and identify the need to replace it.
Particular attention should be paid to motors with aluminum parts. In order to keep this engine safe, you should avoid any signs of rust (even initial rust) on aluminum parts.
Replacing antifreeze with your own hands
When performing work on self-replacement of antrifreeze, you need to remember that it is toxic. Therefore, the place for such work should be away from children and pets. In addition, it is important to strictly observe the necessary safety rules, under which it is not allowed to drain the spent coolant into rivers, lakes and streams, as well as close to water supply sources - columns, wells, etc.
Antifreeze may only be changed on a cold engine. Working on a hot engine is quite dangerous. So, remove the radiator cap, and then open the drain cap, having previously installed a spacious bucket under it. Then drain the antifreeze. Inspect system hoses for breaks or cracks. Replace hoses if necessary.
Before adding new antifreeze, flush the cooling system to remove grease, rust and various deposits. There are special products for flushing the cooling system. Pour the entire bottle of this product into the radiator, and then add demineralized or deionized water to the top and to the tank. Close the covers.
Turn on the engine and the stove to maximum. Wait for the engine to warm up to operating temperature, then turn it off and let it cool down. Remove the radiator caps and drain the fluid.
Pour regular water into the cooling system, close the lids and turn on the engine for 15 minutes. Then let it cool down completely again. Drain the system and only then fill with new antifreeze.
It should be poured in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The permissible concentration of antifreeze in the cooling system should be no more than 70%, and the optimal concentration should be 50% water and 50% antifreeze. After filling it, turn on the engine to the maximum, as well as the heating in the car interior. This is necessary to evenly distribute the antifreeze throughout the system and remove air bubbles from it.
After a few days of driving, check the level of antifreeze in the cooling system. If necessary, top up to the desired mark.
