How To

Antifreeze plays an important role, regulating temperatures in your engine and protecting it and other internal components from rust and corrosion. Not only does antifreeze stop the water in your engine from freezing, but it also cools the engine down on warmer days. You can check antifreeze levels and top them up yourself, but it’s essential to choose the correct type for your car. Not sure which antifreeze you need? Use our reg checker to find the right fluids for your car. What’s Included In This Article? Tools you’ll need How often do you need to check and top up antifreeze? How to choose the right antifreeze product Step-by-step guide to checking and topping up antifreeze FAQs Tools You’ll Need Before you begin, you’ll need a few tools. We’d recommend getting: The correct antifreeze for your vehicle Distilled water Torch Funnel Spare clean rags or cloths Disposable protective gloves How Often Do You Need To Check Your Antifreeze? It is a good idea to check your antifreeze level a couple of times per year. If you regularly drive long distances, we recommend that you check it monthly. How To Choose The Right Antifreeze Your car will most likely use one of two types of antifreeze. Silicate-free, organic acid technology (OAT) is commonly used in modern cars made after 1998, while older cars need antifreeze that isn’t OAT-based. Always check your vehicle handbook before you buy. How To Check Antifreeze Levels Before you check your antifreeze levels, we recommend that you allow the engine to cool for at least two hours or, ideally, overnight. Opening the coolant cap while the engine is hot can put you at risk of burns. Ensure your car is parked on level ground to get an accurate reading. Open the bonnet and locate the coolant tank. It’s usually located in a transparent white or clear tank housing a brightly coloured liquid and is marked with a caution ‘hot’ or thermometer sign. There will be a minimum and maximum marker, and the liquid level should rest between the two. If your antifreeze level is regularly running low, this could indicate an issue. Here are some of the key warning signs to watch out for: Discoloured, rusty or sludgy-looking liquid Coloured puddles of liquid under your car Steam from the bonnet Heater issues Warning lights on your dashboard The condition of your antifreeze will help you decide if you simply need a top-up or if you need to replace the antifreeze. If the fluid shows signs of contamination (if you can see debris floating in it or if it’s cloudy, you will need to replace it). If you notice any of the above warning signs, get your vehicle checked at your local garage. How To Top Up Your Antifreeze Step 1. Locate The Tank After your engine has cooled, open the car bonnet and locate the coolant tank. It should be in a transparent tank with minimum and maximum markers on the side. Step 2. Open The Cap Put on protective gloves and use a cloth to open the cap, turning it anti-clockwise. Step 3. Prepare The Mixture Depending on the antifreeze you choose, some formulas need to be diluted with distilled water. Refer to the directions on the bottle. Step 4. Add The Fluid Using the funnel, pour in the fluid until the liquid level sits between the minimum and maximum markers. Step 5. Check The Level Double-check that the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum markers and that there are no spills around the tank. Step 6. Secure The Cap Turn the cap until you hear a click or until it is fully secure to prevent any leaks. Step 7. Close The Bonnet Close your bonnet, make sure it’s secured, and that’s it – your antifreeze is topped up, and you are ready to go. Want more advice on looking after your car? Read our tips on driving mistakes to avoid. FAQs Are Antifreeze And Coolant The Same Thing? You might hear antifreeze and coolant being used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two. Antifreeze is the concentrated product, while coolant is usually diluted with water. Can I Top Up Antifreeze Myself? Yes, you can check your antifreeze levels and top it up in minutes at home. However, if you’re unsure, it’s always best to seek help from a professional mechanic. How Do I Know When My Antifreeze Needs Topping Up? Some cars come with a warning light that alerts you to low antifreeze levels, but generally speaking, you should check at least twice a year, or before long journeys. A good rule of thumb is to check it before the temperatures drop in winter, and before they soar in the summer. Which Is The Correct Antifreeze For My Vehicle? In order for antifreeze to do its job, you must select the right type and use the right concentration for your vehicle. Your vehicle handbook should be your first port of call when choosing antifreeze. Always use the fluids recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.