How to Put Antifreeze in a Car

Properly formulated antifreeze is essential to protect an engine against temperature extremes and rust corrosion. Antifreeze should be replaced every 12 months to ensure optimal performance. If the antifreeze in your vehicle is old, dirty or rusty in color, it is time to fill your vehicle's cooling system with fresh antifreeze. By following the steps below, you will be able to put antifreeze in your car without hiring a professional mechanic.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ethylene glycol antifreeze

1. Make sure that the engine is cool. The antifreeze in a hot engine is under pressure and sever scalding can result.

2. Locate the radiator drain cock located at the bottom of the radiator. The drain cock will look like a bow tie and is approximately 1inch in length.

3. Open the radiator drain cock by turning it in a counterclockwise direction.

4. Once the radiator has finished draining, open the radiator cap located at the top of the radiator.

5. Close the drain cock by turning it in a clockwise direction.

6. Fill the radiator with a 50 percent concentration of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water. Many pre-mixed antifreeze products are available at automotive stores. Do not fill the radiator with plain water or an alcohol-based product.

7. Install the radiator cap by turning it in a clockwise direction.

8. Start the engine and wait for the engine to reach normal operating temperature. This will allow the antifreeze to circulate through the engine.

9. When the engine is cool again, open the radiator cap and fill the radiator again with the same concentration described in step 6.

10. Reinstall the radiator cap.

Tips & Warnings

• Never attempt to add antifreeze to a hot engine, as sever scalding can occur.

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