How to add antifreeze to the system correctly. How to replace antifreeze: detailed instructions

Is it possible to add antifreeze, and if so, how to perform this procedure. It is this question that interests novice drivers when trying to fix problems with a decrease in the level of coolant (coolant). We will immediately answer it - yes, you can add antifreeze, however, with some reservations regarding the type of antifreeze and the sequence of the procedure itself. Next, we will talk about these nuances, and how to choose the right coolant, how to top it up correctly, and also analyze the topping up process using the example of the popular Hyundai Solaris car in our country.

Antifreeze Functions

Before we proceed directly to the description of the coolant replacement procedure, I would like to dwell on the functions that it performs. This is necessary in order to make it clear in the future the purpose of the operations performed by the car owner, as well as the factors that need to be feared.

So, the first and main task of antifreeze is cooling of the power unit of the machine. However, in addition, the coolant reduces the load on individual engine parts, and also prevents corrosion on their surfaces. This is ensured by the presence of special additives and additives in the liquid.

Due to the constant circulation in the system, antifreeze gradually loses its properties. More precisely, they are lost by the additives included in its composition, and water evaporates from the composition of the liquid. The composition itself becomes darker, and loses its heat-absorbing properties.

The choice of antifreeze to replace

Before how to add antifreeze, it is necessary to determine its type. Remember that ideally, you should always use only one coolant recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. For more information, see the manual or reference literature. In most cases, the use of coolants of different classes and brands is allowed. And when topping up, use only the one that was filled earlier. Failure to comply with this rule may result in a malfunction of the cooling system.

Top up and mix only antifreezes belonging to the same class. They differ in marking on the package, and not in color, as many people think!

As for the Hyundai Solaris car, the following types of antifreeze can be used for it:

• G-11. Such compositions belong to the hybrid group - hybrid, hybrid coolants, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology);
• . They belong to carboxylate compounds - Carboxylate coolants, OAT (Organic Acid Technology);
• G-12++ and G-13. These are the most modern and technologically advanced liquids that belong to Lobrid type antifreezes ("Lobrid").

If it is necessary to add more than 30% of the total volume, then it is better not to add antifreeze, but to completely fill in new fluid.

Accordingly, you can mix only hybrid with hybrid, carboxylate with carboxylate, and lobrid with lobrid. Mixing antifreezes of various classes Absolutely forbidden. The only exception is G12+ antifreeze, which can be added to G11 and G12 fluids. Also it is impossible to add domestic "Tosol" to antifreeze because their chemical compositions are very different.

Remember that antifreeze is sold in stores in two formulations - completely ready to be poured into the cooling system and as a concentrate. Pay attention to this because pure concentrate must not be added to the coolant present in the vehicle system. Even if they belong to the same class. Therefore, if you bought concentrated antifreeze, dilute it in accordance with the instructions on the package. The choice of composition of the solution is usually dictated by the freezing point.

Directly for Hyundai Solaris, the manufacturer recommends using ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze) for aluminum radiators.

Is it possible to add water to antifreeze

Regarding the question of the possibility of adding water to antifreeze, there are many disputes and opinions. Let's take the liberty of asserting that it is possible to add water to the coolant, but there are a couple of important points.

Firstly, the water must be distilled or at least well purified with filters. This is necessary so that the elements present in the liquid do not clog the engine cooling system and do not enter into a chemical reaction with the additives and additives present in the antifreeze.

Secondly, water can be added quite a bit - 100 ... 200 ml. Otherwise, it will dilute the “cooler” very much, and the latter will lose its operational properties (critical in winter). Therefore, it is possible to use water as a topping up liquid only in extreme cases, when the level in the system has dropped to a critical level, and you do not have a similar antifreeze at hand.

Now let's take a closer look at the arguments that suggest that water can still be mixed with antifreeze:

1. The water that was added to the antifreeze will not impair its performance. Unlike coolants belonging to the other classes listed above. Such a statement can be made on the basis of the fact that the properties of antifreeze largely depend on volume ratios additives included in it. If they are violated (which happens when mixing "coolers" of different types), then the mentioned properties are reduced to "no". Water proportionally reduces their volumetric quantity, that is, their ratio remains the same.
2. Contrary to popular belief, adding water to antifreeze lower the freezing point coolant. This statement can be made on the basis that the decrease in the volume of coolant in the system occurs mainly due to the evaporation of water. This process occurs when the safety valve on the expansion tank is opened. Water evaporates first, followed by ethylene glycol. Accordingly, if you add water, then the freezing point will be restored.

Remember that you can add only 100 ... 200 ml of water, because only such an amount will not increase the freezing point, since it will be reduced by increasing the pressure in the system.

The advisability of adding water is also related to the fact that most antifreezes themselves are about 70% water. This is largely due to the evaporation of liquid in the summer. But remember that in winter it is still not recommended to dilute antifreeze very much.

When to add antifreeze

Checking the coolant level

The next interesting question is how often to add antifreeze, and in what cases should this procedure be performed. Let's consider this information in more detail. There are several reasons why topping up is necessary. In particular:

• Visible decrease in the level of antifreeze in the system. This phenomenon can occur at any time due to leakage on the body of the expansion tank, radiator, pipes, connections, and so on. There are two marks on the expansion tank of the Hyundai Solaris car - L and F (respectively, LOW and FULL, low and high levels). If the level has fallen below the L mark, then it is necessary to top up the antifreeze. On other machines, instead of the mentioned marks, there may be other marks, but their essence will be similar.

  If you recently topped up the coolant, but its level has become low again, you should look for a leak in the system.

• Antifreeze expired. This can be identified in various ways. If we talk about the Hyundai Solaris car, then in its cooling system the liquid must be changed in accordance with the service life of the “coolers” used. So, class G-11 antifreezes have a service life of 2 ... 3 years, class G12 - up to 5 years, G12 + - more than 5 years. However, the procedure can be performed more often if the antifreeze does not cope with its tasks, in particular, regular overheating of the engine is observed, and the liquid itself has turned black and thickened. This situation is possible if you bought a low-quality liquid or simply a fake.

  Some cars have a special icon on the dashboard that indicates a low level of antifreeze.

• The safety valve on the expansion tank works intermittently. This suggests that the antifreeze is no longer working properly and is not absorbing the required amount of heat energy.

Checking the coolant level is always done with the machine on a level surface.

Remember that with an insufficient amount of coolant, an additional load is imposed on it, with which, firstly, it is not always able to cope, and secondly, the properties of antifreeze in this case are lost much faster. In addition, in such a situation, the coolant may not fully cope with the tasks assigned to it, and, accordingly, the engine will overheat(in this case, oil consumption may increase and other unpleasant consequences may appear). This concludes the theoretical part of the material, and we move on to practice, that is, directly to topping up.

How to top up antifreeze

We will consider the procedure using the example of the mentioned Hyundai Solaris car. However, most of the above actions and reasoning will be valid for most other machines. The differences concern only the location of individual components and mechanisms (in particular, the expansion tank).

Remember that it is necessary to add antifreeze only when it is cold, that is, with a cooled engine and cooling system. Otherwise, you risk getting burned!

So, at the Hyundai Solaris, the expansion tank of the cooling system is located on the right side of the engine compartment, directly on the system fan casing. The procedure itself is performed according to the following algorithm:

The location of the coolant expansion tank at the Hyundai Solaris

1. It is advisable to install the machine on a slope so that its front end is higher. This is done so that the air from the system comes out without obstruction. However, if you plan to add a small amount of liquid, then this recommendation can be neglected.
2. It is necessary to take a rag, and covering the cover of the expansion tank with it, carefully unscrew it. This is necessary in order to protect clothing and skin from possible splashes if there is excess pressure in the system.
3. Top up coolant directly. Remember that it is necessary to top up with a thin stream so that the air located there leaves the system in parallel and an air lock does not form. That is, in such a way that when topping up, air bubbles do not form on the surface of the liquid. Otherwise, you will need to, which is associated with additional problems.
4. Add fluid to a level of approx. for ⅔ of the volume of the tank, closer to the maximum mark. Then start the engine and let it run for 3...5 minutes. During this time, antifreeze will spread through the system and its level in the reservoir may drop.
5. If this happens, then the topping up procedure must be repeated, and then restart the engine. This should be done until after the next engine start, the fluid level remains at the same level (in most cases, if you need to add a small amount of fluid, one such cycle will suffice).
6. After completing the procedure, use a rag to get rid of possible splashes of antifreeze on the surface of the tank or other elements in the engine compartment, and tighten the tank cap.

We recommend you do not throw away the antifreeze canister. If there is still liquid left, you can add it again in the future. And if the canister is empty, you will always have at hand information about which brand of coolant was used. Accordingly, in the future you will be able to buy a new similar composition.

Flushing the system

The need to flush the car's cooling system may arise in such cases:

• The antifreeze used is very blackened and/or thickened. In this case, it must be replaced completely, despite the indicated period of its operation. This fact can be caused by two main reasons - either you forgot to change the fluid according to the regulations, or you bought a fake.
• If it is necessary to add more than 30% antifreeze to the existing volume. At the same time, the existing “cooler” must be drained, and the system should be flushed with distilled or ordinary water. You can also use other, more.

How to flush the engine cooling system

You can flush the engine cooling system in at least 4 ways. One of them is washing the outer part of it with ordinary water, but inside it is better to rinse it with a solution of citric acid or a special agent.

Results

Adding coolant is a simple procedure, and even an inexperienced car owner can handle it. The main thing at the same time is to observe safety precautions (perform the procedure with a cold engine and cooling system), as well as choose the right antifreeze that you plan to add. Try to make sure that no air lock forms during the topping up process. During the operation of the car, regularly monitor the level of coolant, and if necessary, do not forget to add it or change it completely.

Car maintenance often requires personal effort from the owner. Sometimes there is simply no service nearby that could serve and fill the necessary fluids into the car, and sometimes there is no desire to pay a lot of money for service. Therefore, many motorists are interested in the features of self-service. One of the regular processes that you will need to perform during the operation of the machine is the replacement or addition of antifreeze in the cooling system. This is a liquid that circulates through pipes and radiators in the peripheral system of the engine and allows us not to think about the complexities of the temperature operation of the machine.

Naturally, over time, any liquid becomes unusable, its use becomes less effective. There are different beliefs about when to change antifreeze. But the replacement process is unambiguous, and it should be followed without exception. Since it is high-quality work with antifreeze that will preserve the reliability and durability of the engine. The cooling system is one of the most important peripheral elements of the power unit. Without its normal functioning, the engine will not be able to please you with reliable operation. Consider the features of replacing antifreeze.

When to change antifreeze - the main factors for replacing fluid

There are several situations that can force a driver to change the antifreeze in their car. Some of them are connected with external circumstances, and the other part - with the operational properties of the machine. To understand how important it is to change the antifreeze in the car on time, you need to consider how bad coolant affects the operation of vehicles. The fact is that bad antifreeze with additives and dilutions can boil, lose its properties of a temperature buffer. The engine overheats and runs at elevated temperatures. The main reasons for replacing antifreeze are as follows:

• the color of the liquid in the expansion tank has darkened or has begun to change in some other direction;
• the liquid level began to float noticeably, which indicates a loss of antifreeze temperature resistance;
• you have purchased a used car - in this case it is better to immediately replace all technical fluids, belts and rollers;
• the last 45 thousand kilometers you have not replaced the antifreeze in your car;
• the engine began to constantly warm up or work in cold mode without reaching the desired temperature;
• you perform regular technical work to fix certain problems or clarify the problem.

In any of these cases, it would be better to replace the antifreeze and get a guarantee of the quality of the engine cooling unit. The replacement interval of 45 thousand kilometers is clearly indicated approximately, because each manufacturer produces a liquid for the cooling system with its own technologies. Therefore, it is necessary not only to take into account this general recommendation, but also to read the instructions of the manufacturers, as well as visually observe the condition of the liquid in the expansion tank. This will help you get out of trouble and get reliable operation of all systems in your car.

How to change antifreeze and not mix old fluid with new?

To replace antifreeze in a car, you must read the operating instructions for the vehicle. Below we will describe the general process of replacing the coolant in any car, but there are vehicles that have individual characteristics and requirements for this process. First and foremost, British car owners need to dive into the factory manuals. Often in these brands you can find specific drain plugs that will help you completely get rid of used antifreeze. The general fluid replacement scheme is as follows:

1. wait until the car has completely cooled down after operation (the fluid temperature will be below 40 degrees);
2. unscrew the cap of the expansion tank so that the liquid can suck in air and leave the system;
3. then substitute the containers under the plugs of the cooling system at the bottom of the car for subsequent draining;
4. unscrew the plug on the radiator at the bottom, as well as on the engine housing (or according to the instructions);
5. also unscrew the plug at the top of the radiator to allow liquid to drain normally from thin pipes;
6. wait until all the liquid has drained, in no case start the engine, but fully open the stove (or first turn on the climate for heating);
7. when the liquid has finished draining, tighten the plugs at the bottom of the radiator and in the engine (the upper radiator plug can be left for now);
8. pour the right amount of liquid through the expansion tank, do not rush, but do not pause;
9. when the liquid is filled, close the radiator cap, start the engine and let it warm up the new liquid completely;
10. if necessary, add more fluid to match the level indicated on the expansion tank.

Also do not forget to close the reservoir cap after performing all the necessary checks. It often happens that the cover remains open, through which the liquid pours over the entire engine compartment. As you can see, the process of replacing antifreeze turns out to be quite simple, there is no need to pay money for this business at the service. But if you are performing a set of works in a specialized workshop, you should find out the price of replacing antifreeze. Perhaps there is no point in messing with all these processes on your own.

How to choose a good antifreeze for a car?

When choosing antifreeze for your car, we recommend that you fully adhere to the recommendations of the manufacturers. This is an important point that will help maintain the performance properties of the engine and prevent overheating during operation. If for domestic cars overheating of the engine by 5 degrees is a normal condition for use, then for Japanese units, for example, this will bring serious problems. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a liquid with an understanding of all responsibility. In particular, the following factors will have to be taken into account when buying:

• technical characteristics of antifreeze fully comply with the requirements specified in the instructions for your car;
• the liquid container is sealed at the factory, the lid is protected from involuntary unscrewing;
• the plastic of the container is transparent or light, through it you can clearly see the color of the liquid;
• the color is bright and saturated, it will be perfectly visible through the plastic of the expansion tank in your car;
• the cost of antifreeze is not the lowest among all the options offered, this is an indicator of a fake;
• manufacturer known in the world of motorists, you should not buy liquid brands that you have not heard of.

These are not strict requirements for the purchase of antifreeze, but only recommendations that will help you purchase a quality liquid. The operation of a car is often associated with the search for equipment or technical means for repair and restoration work. And in each such case, it is necessary to coordinate your purchase with the requirements of the manufacturer and other important factors in the quality of the purchased liquid. Such solutions will help you get the maximum quality in the operation of the power unit and other elements of your car. See the fluid change in an old Volkswagen using the following video as an example:

Summing up

It is difficult to say how correct the decision to replace antifreeze on your own will be, if it is possible to use the inexpensive services of specialists. By the way, at many service stations, when buying antifreeze, they offer a replacement for free. This is an important point that will save you time and money. If there is no opportunity to turn to professionals, then the only right solution would be to independently replace the technical fluid in the machine’s cooling system.

In any case, the terms of service should not be missed. You need to make sure that your car gets the proper quality of the equipment and does not constantly overheat or run in a cold mode. To do this, it is necessary to use high-quality technical fluids and replace them correctly, without mixing with waste materials. If you have already changed the antifreeze in your car yourself, tell us about this experience in the comments to the post.

To maintain the temperature of a running engine, the driver needs to know how to add and fill antifreeze into the engine cooling system (ODS) correctly.

SOD is designed to store coolant (coolant) and pump it through the engine cooling jacket, a large radiator and its smaller counterpart, which is used to heat the passenger compartment. If the level of antifreeze or antifreeze is insufficient, the power unit will overheat, and air jams will form in the SOD.

Depending on the characteristics of the fluid, it may be used for the time specified by the manufacturer and then must be replaced. Topping up should be carried out as necessary, regularly monitoring the fluid level in the system.

The presence of certain additives in the coolant, as often indicated by the color of the composition, prevents the development of corrosive processes and the formation of scale. It is important to remember that adding antifreeze to antifreeze and vice versa is prohibited, as this will lead to undesirable chemical reactions, the appearance of sediment and a deterioration in the characteristics of the liquid.

When buying antifreeze, keep in mind that some manufacturers tint their product for marketing purposes.

Coolant replacement

The refrigerant must be replaced if it has worked out the prescribed period, and also if the car is serviced after active operation in summer or winter.

To properly fill the antifreeze into the cooling system, it is recommended that you first completely remove the old liquid, including from the heating system, by setting the stove regulator to the maximum. The location of the car on a slope with the front part of the body up will help to make the process more efficient. Next, you need to open the expansion tank and the radiator cap. Then unscrew the plugs on the cylinder block and radiator and drain the coolant.

If the old coolant performed its function properly, it is worth filling in the same one. Before this, it is advisable to flush the cooling system with water, preferably distilled, allowing the motor to pump it through all the pipes and radiators, warming it up to a temperature at which the valve lets the liquid flow in a large circle.

If the coolant is seriously contaminated, for example, after using sealants, plain water, or mixing antifreezes with radically different flushing compounds, you will need to use a special flushing agent, after which the system must be cleaned with distilled water. After that, you can fill the system with new antifreeze.

You can get rid of excess air after filling the coolant by bleeding it through the pipe in the upper part of the cylinder block. If necessary, the expansion tank is additionally filled with antifreeze to a normal level.

How to add refrigerant

Sometimes you just need to add coolant. In this case, it is extremely important to use a coolant with the same composition, preferably from the same manufacturer. It is better to do this on a cold or slightly cooled engine. You need to open the system covers, and then fill the radiator almost to capacity. If the coolant level was too low and air pockets formed in the system, you will need to let the engine run for several minutes with the covers open to bleed excess pressure.

In the summer heat, distilled water can be added to antifreeze. It is not recommended to mix ordinary water, antifreeze or antifreeze with each other. If this could not be avoided, you will have to flush the system in the near future and fill in new coolant.

Antifreeze level control

For this, several methods are used:

• Observation of the indicator on the instrument panel.
• Monitoring the coolant level directly in the expansion tank.

Under normal operating conditions, this should be done once a month and always before a long journey. If an overheating signal appears on the parting panel on the way, then this problem sometimes occurs due to an insufficient level of antifreeze in the system. In winter, this can be indicated by slow warming up and poor-quality operation of the stove.

Having noticed the non-standard behavior of the power unit regarding the temperature regime of its operation, you need to visit the service station to diagnose the system, since operation during overheating is fraught with deformation of many parts of the internal combustion engine. Understanding how to properly fill and top up antifreeze in the cooling system will help the driver protect the engine from overheating.

A rare car owner has never encountered the need to top up the coolant. Microcracks, streaks, "snot", and even banal evaporation do their job - the volume of the "cooler" is slowly but surely decreasing. We are not talking about torn pipes or a block head, when the amount of coolant is reduced dramatically, but even in operating mode, the amount of antifreeze can gradually decrease. Need to pour? Certainly! Usually this procedure does not cause problems, but novice drivers still have questions and doubts. Let's try to dispel them.

What to add

The best choice of antifreeze for topping up - the same composition that is already poured into the car b, both by type and by manufacturer. The most obvious situation is if you changed the coolant yourself and know exactly what is poured into the system. In this case, it is enough to find the same antifreeze in the store. Almost all manufacturers have liter jars just for topping up.

There are few problems even if you have a new car in which no one has ever changed the coolant. Then you need to find out what is poured into the car at the factory. This is easy to do using the Internet, for example on forums dedicated to the brand of your car.

Maybe contact the dealer? This option is also possible, but it is highly likely that the dealer will offer branded antifreeze, with a corresponding mark-up for the brand. On the forums, you can find out a specific manufacturer and buy liquid from its catalog. So you will save money, but there will be no difference - car factories do not make antifreezes themselves, they buy them from chemical manufacturers, and then mark them and raise prices based on this. A little time spent searching for information will result in savings.

The situation is more complicated if you bought a car from your hands and have no idea what is filled in it in the cooling system, whether the coolant has changed there at all or not. Then you have to select based on the type of liquid. Mixing antifreezes of the same type, but from different manufacturers, is harmless, but if you mix different types of coolants, even if they are of the same brand, nothing good will come of it. We have already devoted a separate story to the story about the types of antifreeze, its color and safe mixing methods. We won’t repeat ourselves, but if you need to pick up antifreeze in a situation where you don’t know exactly what is filled in the system, you should definitely study our article.

There is another option that not everyone immediately guesses about - add distilled water. Of course, this is applicable only if you need to top up a small amount - 200-300 grams, no more. Adding water will slightly reduce the concentration of antifreeze additives, but in such volumes this will not affect the operation of the composition in any way. Moreover, there is an opinion that adding water in such situations is even a more correct solution. After all, if the system is tight, and it does not have an obvious leak, then the level has dropped due to evaporation, and it is water that evaporates from the composition. In such a situation, adding a small amount of distillate will return the original ratio.

Topping up a large volume, experts do not recommend at all - if you need to add more than 30% of the volume of the cooling system, then it is better to completely change the coolant.

How to pour

Purely technically, the procedure for topping up is utterly simple - I unscrewed the cap of the expansion tank (on some cars - the radiator) and topped up. There are, however, several recommendations that can reduce the likelihood of an air lock in the cooling system.

1. Before topping up, park the car so that the expansion tank was higher than the rest of the system. It is enough to find any hillock or just a slope and park the car on the right side. In this position, the probability of air entering is small - it will not go further than the expansion tank.

2. Pour antifreeze in a small stream. This is where ordinary physics comes into play. When filling in antifreeze, we push air out of the expansion tank, and it can only exit through the filler neck. However, if the jet is too large, then excess air will not be able to escape, it will remain in the expansion tank and can go through the system. This problem is especially common when using funnels, they greatly narrow the diameter of the filler hole, while they are often poured to the top, preventing air from escaping. In the case of using a funnel, it is better to pour slowly, with a “shallow” stream. And don't close the lid.

3. And quite simple - when topping up, you need to follow behind the marks on the expansion tank and do not fill more than the recommended maximum. Actually, it is necessary to top up when the level drops below the minimum.

Topping up the coolant is a very simple operation that any motorist can handle, but it should not be treated casually. The wrong choice of antifreeze or an air lock can cause a lot of problems in the further operation of the car. It is worth being a little more careful and then there will be no problems.

For the full existence of absolutely any car, a coolant in the form of antifreeze is necessary. However, if the coolant level has dropped below the minimum mark, the question arises before young motorists, how to add antifreeze? You can and should do this yourself, and for this you need to have distilled water and antifreeze.

1. You should be aware that cold water cannot be poured into a hot engine, as cracks may form in the cylinder block. It is not necessary to pour pure antifreeze into the cooling system, but diluted with distilled water in equal parts, that is, one part of antifreeze should fall on one part of distilled water. Antifreeze should be filled with the brand recommended by the car manufacturer. It is better to pour cold antifreeze into a cold engine.

2. Consider the frequency of all actions for adding antifreeze to the car engine:

- first, reduce the pressure in the expansion tank, for which you need to turn the tank cap one turn. Only then can the lid be opened completely;

- taking the required brand of antifreeze, it should be poured into the expansion tank. It is necessary to fill in so that the liquid level is between the minimum (min) and maximum (max) marks;

- After that, you should start the engine and let the car run for a while. Then you should re-check the level of antifreeze and, if necessary, top up to the desired level;

- if the coolant level is lower, it should be topped up, after which you can tighten the radiator cap.