How often should you have to put in antifreeze?

Question

I know that it is coming up on the summer months, but on average how often should one have to put in antifreeze? Like once a month or every two weeks or when?

Answer 1

The coolant level should stay constant. If you must constantly add coolant then investigate the leak.

To keep the cooling system in optimum condition, it should be flushed, pressure tested, & new antifreeze 50/50 mix, should be done every 4 Years

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Answer 2

Even though its called anti freeze .. your cooling system works better Anti Freeze in it for both summer and winter as it prevents both freezing and over heating
It is the corrosion protection ability of the corrosion inhibitors.in Anti freeze that determains the need for changing and flushing the cooling system .
Extended life antifreeze or coolant does not contain the conventional inhibitors which other coolants do. The main difference is that conventional inhibitors would start failing at about 24.000 miles while extended life coolants, based on organic technologies, would last for about 150.000
It is also important to check the tension of the water pump drive belt as well as check that the electric fan is functioning correctly. Once you have done this, you should also check the radiator and the hoses in order to make sure they are not damaged. Then, you should check the cooling system tank and look the coolant level into it according to the mark it has. If the coolant level is between the mark which says full and the one saying low then it is correct, if it doesn't reach the low mark then you should add more until it reaches the proper level.

you should check the level either every time you buy gas or at least once a week .. if your cooling system is in good shaper you shouldn't have to add to often ..

Answer 3

Put in antifreeze? Do you have a leak? The only thing you should do is about every two years is drain and flush your system and put in new antifreeze. Antifreeze does have lubricants in it that break down and you'll lose you protection on your water pump. Cleaning your system also get rid of any rust or contaminants you may have in the system, and keep the radiator from plugging up. If you do have long life antifreeze in your car than you do not need to change it so often.

Answer 4

Logically, you should never have to fill it. The system is a "sealed" system. It is sealed as there is no air that can enter or leave the system until a certin pressure has been met. If you are losing coolant at any rate, there is a reason for it. You should have a pressure test preformed to make sure there is infact no leak. You should never have to fill your coolant, and if you do, there is a problem. And what was mentioned about having a coolant flush and cheking belts and hoses is corect too. I would recomend with ever coolant flush, changing the thermostat and radiator cap(resivor cap in some cases of GM, Volkswagon, and a few others) as these parts do see wear as well and are usually neglected in the big picture unless something goes wrong. If you're having a cooling system flush, have a pressure test preformed before hand (and after the flush to make sure any thing in the system is still good, and no dirt/debris was sealing a crack/leak), change the thermostat, and the radiator cap. Usually with Long life coolant, which is becoming standard to most companies, its about 150 000km between flushes or 5 years, and the standard "green" (etholine glycol) should be flushed about every 40 - 80 depending on manufacture recomendations or 2-3 years depending on manufacture recomendations.

Answer 5

Antifreeze keeps your car from over heating and keeps the water from freezing in the winter.

As long as your car doesn't overheat don't worry. As long as the water level is adeaquate there shouldn't be a problem. If some liquid evaporates you might want to add a little when you refil with water.

In the fall check your antifreeze mixture with a Antifreeze tester. This basically looks like a long tube with a rubber ball on one end and markings and temperature degrees. There are little balls inside the tub you use it to suck up some of the liquid in your radiator and by how the balls float or don't float you can tell to what low temp your radiator is protected from freezing.

If you Need to add water and antifreeze to your cooling system you have a leak and you need to find where it is leaking and fix it.

Some manufacturers recommend that the radiator be drained and refilled with new water and antifreeze. But tthat is not really needed, as long as the water/antifreeze mixture is clean no need.

Answer 6

let me just tell you that if you have to put the stuff in every week or so you have a serious problem. I have a bad lower intake manifold gasket that is getting fixed on monday. Antifreeze literally pours out of my car. You should only have to put it in when it is low. I would check it every few months, really your car should not be using that much. remember to dilute with water in the summer months. You can check it every month (like I do with all of my fluids) if that makes you feel better. I am a bit weird about my car.

Answer 7

You should only have to do this when you change/flush the radiator in a perfect world. There is an important balance to exactly how much AF to water you have in most cases. You should also have to only add to the overflow container.

If you have to make up more or often then it is indicative of another issue in which you are loosing coolant. You could have a leaky hose, leaky radiator, or even a leaky water pump. The hoses and heater core could be an issue as well. The worst case is head gasket issues that could cause a loss of coolant as well. Check your oil for foaming for this.

Answer 8

Only when it gets low. Keep the mixture at 1/2 antifreeze and 1/2 water. Don't be a sucker and buy the "premix". You get only get half the antifreeze and the cost is higher.

Answer 9

Unless you have a leak in your system, you might have to add your antifreeze, once in six months. Unless, you have just flushed the system, then just keep an eye on it, for a week or so.

Answer 10

I would check it so often, if its low fill it,but if you have to put antifreeze in that much, u probably have a leak some where.. get it checked out