How to Add Antifreeze To Your Engine, by AutoZone on YouTube. 2 min 7 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 7 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Park on level ground and let the engine cool completely, at least 30 minutes. Never open the coolant cap on a hot engine, because pressurized hot coolant can spray out and burn you.
Check your owner's manual for the correct antifreeze specification and whether it comes premixed or as a concentrate you dilute.
Find the coolant reservoir, usually a see-through plastic tank marked MIN and MAX near the radiator. On older cars you may have a radiator cap instead.
With the engine cold, look at the level. It should sit between the MIN and MAX lines. If it is near or below MIN, it needs topping up.
If you are using concentrate, mix it 50/50 with distilled water in a clean jug first. Premixed coolant goes straight in.
Push the funnel into the reservoir opening and pour slowly until the level reaches the MAX line. Stop there and wipe up any spills with a rag.
Refit the cap and tighten it fully. Start the engine, turn the heater to full hot and let it idle a few minutes so the coolant circulates.
Switch off, let the engine cool, then recheck the level. If it has dropped again, you likely have a leak and should have the cooling system pressure tested.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not mix different coolant types or colours, since some react and form sludge that blocks the system.
Overfilling past MAX leaves no room for expansion and can push coolant out onto the road.
Coolant is toxic and tastes sweet to pets, so collect spills and old coolant and take them to a recycling centre.
If you have to top up more than once a month, find the leak instead of just adding more.
Questions
Can I add antifreeze to a hot engine?
No. Wait until the engine is fully cold, because the system is pressurized and hot coolant can spray out when you open the cap.
Do I have to mix antifreeze with water?
Only if you bought concentrate. A 50/50 mix with distilled water is standard, and premixed coolant is already diluted.
Can I use water alone if I run low?
In an emergency, plain water will get you home, but it lowers the freeze and boil protection. Top up with the correct coolant as soon as you can.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
