Do I need to add antifreeze. Car oils and everything you need to know about motor oils

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, as 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 the occurrence of leakage on the housing 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. Speaking of car Hyundai Solaris, 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 engine overheating 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 vehicles have a special badge on dashboard, indicating 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 mentioned Hyundai car solaris. 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 does not form airlock. 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 engine compartment and screw on 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 information at hand 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. At the same time, the main thing 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.

Many drivers carry out the procedure for replacing and topping up the coolant on their own. Sometimes a lot of questions arise: top up cold or hot, the choice of antifreeze, ways not to air the system. Parts are often made from non-identical materials, and changing antifreeze will negatively affect the function and integrity of the cooling system.

Manufacturers have come up with different topping methods. Liquids are poured into the radiator on the Hyundai Solaris, Ford Focus. The second method is through the expansion tank (Kia Rio, Renault Logan). From the general: the mixture is poured into the machine on a cold one.
Ways to add fluid while keeping the car are described further.

Antifreeze: is it possible to top up

For efficient operation, there must be a heat-removing fluid inside the system circuit. The coolant mixture contains a certain percentage of water. When working, it comes into contact with high temperatures evaporating. There are criteria when you need to add or completely change antifreeze.

If there is not enough antifreeze, it must be added, otherwise there is a threat to normal cooling, air locks may form. The working fluid gradually begins to change properties, losing active substances. Control the amount of antifreeze and top up on time. Make sure that the added fluid matches the standards already added to the tank.

How often do you need to add antifreeze

Car manufacturers give different service life of the coolant mixture. Topping up is carried out as it is used, since the boiling point evaporates the water component. Maintain the level of antifreeze, there is no clear time frame for filling.

Unforeseen circumstances may occur that determine how often the procedure should be performed. Imperceptible hose leak, cracks in the metal components of the car, radiator corrosion. With frequent topping up of antifreeze, inspect (the bright color of the mixture helps) the tightness of the system when the engine is hot, where pressure is created.

Is it possible to add antifreeze of different colors

Adding liquids of different colors is undesirable, but acceptable. The color scale is not a strictly regulated norm. Each manufacturer awards their product with a color. For proper topping up, use the same antifreeze or carefully select another one by class and composition.

To rely on color differences, you need to consider the scale introduced by Volkswagen. In this list, each class gets its own coloring. G11 - traditional, or silicate coolants. Color - blue or green. G12, G12+, G12++ are made from organic acids. Such mixtures received colors of red, orange or lilac. G13 is a safe propylene glycol fluid. They are colored purple or yellow. Conclusion: do not rush to add red liquid - green composition.

Is it possible to fill in antifreeze of a different brand, but of the same color

There are no hard and fast standards. There is no guarantee that liquid of the same color as yours, but of a different brand, will be identical. Antifreeze from another manufacturer may be made on an incompatible basis, contain incompatible additives, which will damage the cooling system. After making sure that the solution poured into the car and the purchased solution are compatible, use a different brand of liquid without being tied to color.

Is it possible to add distilled water to antifreeze

Substances are sold concentrated along with ready-made mixtures. Distilled water should be added to the concentrate, as it does not contain unwanted components (chlorine, fluorine, and others). Ordinary tap water forms scale on the walls of the system, which will worsen the heat transfer properties. Separated parts can clog the parts responsible for the movement of fluid along the contours, the machine will begin to boil.

Distillation removes harmful substances. Provided that the liquid level has dropped slightly, only water can be used. Remember that this affects the properties of the antifreeze that was previously filled.

Is it possible to add antifreeze to antifreeze

The aggressive properties of antifreeze are very sensitive to other components, and what will happen after topping up is unpredictable. Possible crystal formation, corrosion of aluminum components, corrosion of hoses. There is a release of flakes of sediment, dangerous for moving parts and filters, neutralization of additives of poured antifreeze.

Conclusion - nothing can be added to antifreeze, with the exception of distilled water, but it lowers the degree of freezing. If you dilute antifreeze with water in a ratio of about 50/50, the engine will work, but mentally say goodbye to the pump and car thermostat.

What antifreeze can be added if I forgot the brand of the old

When you need to add coolant, and data on the previous one is lost, it's best not to risk it. If you don’t know only the brand of the old one, it’s not so bad. It is permissible to fill in another identical class to an existing one. The first owner of the car from the salon needs to find information from the manufacturer. Worse, when the type of antifreeze is also unknown. It is better to flush and completely replace the coolant.

What antifreeze to fill in Hyundai Solaris

Motorists are interested in the question of how to replace the factory refrigerant with Japanese car. In Hyundai Solaris from the factory you need to fill green liquid CoolStream A-110 or Crown LLC A-110.

If the color of the old liquid or antifreeze corresponds to class G11, then the same must be poured into the car. On every car of 2012, 2013 and 2015, the G12 + class is used. With antifreeze G12++ (as Opel Astra J), can only be mixed with G13.

What is the best antifreeze to fill in Renault Logan

The French cool their engines with their own liquids like Renault Type D is yellow. This antifreeze is suitable for 1.4/1.6/2 liter engines. The basis of the mixture is ethylene glycol, they belong to class G12. Mix the concentrate with distilled water, proportion 1:0.8. You don't need to use G12+. You need to add liquid to the expansion tank between the minimum mark and the maximum.

What antifreeze to fill in Kia Rio

Starting from the second generation, coolants of the G12 + class are poured into the car at the factory. Older foreign cars were filled with traditional green G11 coolant. For Kia 2013 - 2014, red mixtures with distilled water can be poured into the tank.

Topping up antifreeze in Kia Rio

A car of a Korean concern is obtained by topping up the coolant in the expansion tank. Add antifreeze on a cold engine, the liquid level should reach the Full mark.

1. First, prepare the liquid in a clean bowl. We take one part of the distillate and the mixture (the proportions recommended in the instructions for the Kia Rio). Choose the right proportions for the correct operation and protection of the cooling system.
2. We remove the cap of the expansion tank without touching the hose going to the radiator. There is a tube in the tank, pulling out which you can get a filler neck.
3. We carry out topping up and return the hose to its place, close the plug on the neck, turn on the engine. Detailed description on the picture.

Topping up antifreeze cold or hot?

Replenish the liquid level is cold. When the engine is cold, the coolant does not lose capacity, if it is hot, the volume changes under pressure. Vapors from uncooled antifreeze can cause burns when the tank cap is opened (thermal and chemical). If the mixture is cold: the system is not pressurized and you can see how much mixture needs to be added.

Many newly minted motorists are interested in how to fill oil in car engine. It seems simple enough, but there are many aspects to consider. Each engine has its own parameters.

Fill with oil using a funnel

What is topping up for?

The correct functioning of the motor is unrealistic without car oil. The oil fluid poured into the power unit does the following:

• cleanses its parts;
• provides easy start-up without warming up;
• removes heat from heated parts;
• lubricates the contacting elements;
• neutralizes various compounds that accumulate in the motor.

Timely replacement of car oil will extend the life of your friend

All these tasks are possible thanks to special additives that are added to lubricants to improve their performance. Before pouring oil into a car, you need to find out which oil product is optimal for it. Currently, there are many car oils of various brands that differ in characteristics from each other. Mineral water, synthetics and semi-synthetics are produced. Also, motor oils are divided into lubricants for summer, winter and any season. Automakers usually give recommendations on how much oil should be poured into the engine, what it should be. Remember that in older cars it is highly undesirable to use modern synthetic oil.

Due to the fact that different types it is forbidden to mix lubricants; it is required to find out what kind of oil product is poured into the power unit. This question will be answered by the employees of the car dealership where you bought the car, or the former owner of the car. If you understand how much oil in the engine did not work out, you will have to change all the lubricant. This can be done with your own hands or resort to the services of a car service. The cost of car service services may be too high, it is better to be able to change the lubricant yourself.

How is it determined how much oil is in the engine

Any car owner has the opportunity to find out for himself how much oil to fill in his car, where to fill in engine oil. Usually required volume motor lubricant written in the owner's manual for the car. The amount of oil is set when the engine is off, or ten minutes after it is completely turned off, or before starting. To ensure the correct measurements, the car must be on a horizontal smooth surface.

Complete with any machine there is a special dipstick for measuring car oil. It is usually located in the front area of ​​the motor, looks like a thin bar of metal with marks on it.

In order to get the probe, you need to grab the ring handle and pull in your direction. Wipe it from the liquid, immerse it in the motor to the end and lift it again. The volume of car oil is set in divisions. If the lubricant has reached the upper division, it is not necessary to add oil to the engine. If the fluid level approaches the lower mark, you need to add oil to the engine.

The procedure for pouring oil into the internal combustion engine

Where to put oil in the engine? The car has a special oil filler hole, which is located above the cylinder block of the engine. It is marked with the inscription "Oil Fill" or with the marking of an oil recommended by the automaker (for example, 10w30). You need to remove the cover, wipe it with a rag.

Then put a funnel in the neck. Add about one glass of car oil. When it gets into the sump (after about a quarter of an hour), check the liquid level with a dipstick. If it is low, repeat topping up. After any measurement, wipe the dipstick with a cloth. When you finish pouring oil into the car, pull the funnel out of the neck, cover the hole with a lid, put the dipstick in place. Now you know how to add oil to the engine.

Complete replacement of the oil in the engine

First of all, decide where you will carry out the replacement, what kind of oil is poured into the engine. The best option is a special pit in the garage. If it is absent, fill in the field or in the country. It is undesirable to change the car oil with a cold engine or in frost - it will be too thick, it will not be possible to completely drain it. To completely free the engine from used oil, it is necessary to warm up the engine, turn it off. Can I add oil to hot engines? No. Be sure to wait ten minutes. To completely drain the oil, set the car on the handbrake, raise it with a jack. Insure yourself with heavy bars or cinder blocks, support the wheels with them. Also prepare:

• old basin;
• three-liter or five-liter bottle;
• wrench;
• oil filter.

Draining used grease is fairly easy. Find the motor drain on the bottom, put a basin and unscrew the lid. Wear gloves to avoid getting burned by hot oil. It takes about half an hour to completely drain the oil product. Change the oil filter during this time. When the grease drains, screw on the drain cap, lower the car and return it to its normal position. Now pour in a new consumable, remembering how to properly pour oil into the engine, as well as how many liters of oil are poured into the engine.

Check how the engine works. Start the car, pay attention to whether the dashboard sensor lights up. If the check light comes on and goes out after a few seconds, then you did everything right. Experienced motorists are advised to drive a few kilometers by car and check the oil level again (fifteen minutes after turning off the engine). If the check light is on and the readings have not changed, then everything is fine. If the amount of oil has changed, then there is a leak. Probably the drain cover is not tightly covered or the pipes are leaking. If after twelve hours a puddle of oil has formed under the car, then there is definitely a leak in the car. If you know how to fill in the oil correctly, and understand which lubricant is optimal, you can avoid many of the problems associated with the operation of the car.

The normal functioning of the car is impossible without coolant. And we will provide explanations of what it is, where to fill in antifreeze, a photo of this process and other useful information later in the article.

What is antifreeze

Antifreeze is a special fluid designed for the car's cooling system. The peculiarity of this substance is that it does not freeze even at the lowest temperature. This effect is made possible by special composition liquids - ethylene glycol and water, which together form a dihydric alcohol. The composition of antifreeze, in addition, includes the so-called inhibitors - substances due to which the corrosion process is significantly slowed down.

As a rule, manufacturers of the liquid in question indicate its freezing temperature on the package (for example, OZH-30 or Tosol-50, etc.). That is why each individual car has its own type. The most famous of them is "Tosol". There is a common misconception that this substance is not antifreeze and is intended for older car models. This, of course, is not true.

The first thing worth noting here is that antifreeze must be changed every 70-80 thousand kilometers. However, most people in Russia do not travel much at all, and such figures are only accumulated in ten years. Therefore, a complete renewal of antifreeze must be carried out every 2 years. At the same time, it is worth remembering about various additional factors: great age, not the best technical condition of the car - all this indicates that it is worth replacing the coolant as often as possible. You also need to change the antifreeze:

• if the liquid has darkened;
• if the engine needs a major overhaul;
• if there is a leak in the cooling system.

Drain antifreeze

Before turning to the question of where to fill in antifreeze, you need to talk about how to properly drain it. By the way, removing unnecessary coolant residues is much more difficult than pouring this same liquid:

1. First you need to find a flat surface to park the car. If the machine is tilted, the risk that the liquid simply cannot be seen will increase significantly.
2. Next, you need to substitute the container under the place where the antifreeze will flow out. After that, the drain taps in the system open (on some machines there are special pipes that will have to be removed). This must be done very carefully, because the coolant may begin to pour out in an uncontrolled flow.
3. After all the antifreeze has evenly poured out, it is necessary to close the faucet or tighten the pipe.

Thus, there is nothing particularly difficult in pouring antifreeze. Where to fill in the coolant and how to do it, we will tell further.

antifreeze bay

How to fill in antifreeze? Where should it be poured? Experienced drivers who already have some experience have long known the answer to this question. Moreover, they do not see anything complicated in draining and filling the coolant.

1. It is necessary to unscrew the cap of the expansion tank.
2. A special ruler is inserted into the hole of this tank.
3. Only after that, calmly and without sudden movements, you need to pour the coolant inside. This must be done strictly according to the established ruler - otherwise the antifreeze will spill.
4. Do not pour too quickly and too much - in this case, an air lock may form. This plug will not give anything good, only the poor functioning of the cooling system in the future. If the expansion tank has the designations "maximum" and "minimum", then you need to navigate by them.
5. After the liquid is filled, you need to tightly, but carefully close the tank lid.
6. Next, you need to turn on the engine. It will take about 10 minutes to monitor the condition of the antifreeze. Then you need to add it to the final mark.

Only after that all work with the replacement of the coolant will be completed.

Errors when filling antifreeze

Novice car owners often make mistakes when draining or pouring coolant into the car. This is usually due to inexperience or negligence. We will tell you about the most common such mistakes.

The most dangerous thing to do when pouring antifreeze is to turn on the engine beforehand. In no case should you unscrew the cap of the expansion tank with the car engine running. This can lead to the most unpleasant consequences, such as burns on the hands and face. The fact is that when the engine is turned on, the liquid begins to splash strongly, and its temperature is very high.

The next common mistake for beginners is to fill in new coolant without draining the old one. Needless to say, how stupid and simply dangerous this is. Banal laziness can lead to the most unpleasant consequences. Of course, the drain and the bay must be carried out entirely.

Novice drivers make many other mistakes. Here and the absence of checking the level of coolant, and using it for a car of a different brand, etc. Always and in everything related to cars, you need to be very careful and careful. It is always necessary to find out where antifreeze is poured in a car and which coolant is better to choose from professionals and specialists.

Replacing antifreeze on different cars

Renault Logan, Ford Focus, Lada Vesta or Hyundai Solaris - where to fill antifreeze on different car brands, and most importantly, how to do it?

This question cannot be answered unambiguously. There are really a lot of car models, and the type of coolant replacement can sometimes vary slightly. However, one piece of advice is worth giving.

All questions regarding the replacement of something or the functioning of some individual elements must be agreed only with the sellers or companies where the machine was purchased. Before buying, be sure to clarify how and where to fill in antifreeze. Hyundai, Renault, Mazda and many other brands differ little from each other on the issue under consideration, but the details should be specified without fail.

Do I need a car service to replace antifreeze?

In most cases, contacting the center Maintenance for the sake of replacing the coolant is not a necessary procedure.

However, if the owner of the car does not want to deal with the contents of the hood, or simply does not have time, you can contact a car service. Many do not want to delve into issues related to car maintenance at all. They are not at all interested in why and where to fill in antifreeze.

"Toyota Corolla" or, for example, "Ford Fusion" service in a car service will not be so expensive. average price for changing antifreeze in Russia - 500-800 rubles. In addition, the car service will do everything extremely professionally and produce high-quality flushing.

Many novice drivers are concerned about the question of how to pour oil into a car engine. This seemingly simple event has many pitfalls and it is not as easy to deal with it as it seems. Each engine has its own characteristics, and therefore there are a huge number of nuances that must be considered before filling in the lubricant.

Why add oil

High-quality operation of the engine is impossible without engine oil. This viscous substance performs several main functions, providing:

• cleanliness of engine parts;
• ease of cold start of the engine;
• reliability at maximum high temperature parts of the cylinder-piston group;
• heat removal from heated parts;
• lubrication of moving parts;
• neutralization of aggressive and corrosive compounds accumulating in power unit.

Each of the points is handled by certain additives added to oils to enhance them. performance characteristics. Before pouring oil into the engine, it is necessary to determine what type of fluid is suitable for it. Today there are a large number of motor lubricants, and within even one line you can find products with different parameters. So, mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic oils are produced. Each of them can be winter, summer or all-season. In addition, car manufacturers may recommend the use of a particular oil. Because different kinds oils cannot be mixed, first of all you need to find out what brand of lubricant is poured into the engine. This question should be answered by the employees of the car dealership where the car was purchased, or by its previous owner. If the truth is unknown, you will have to completely change the oil. This procedure can be performed independently or contact the service station.

• for a new engine - synthetic oils of class SAE 5W30 or 10W30 (at any time of the year);
• for a used engine, but technically sound - SAE 10W40 in the warm season, 15W40 in winter and 5W40 all season;
• for old model with a used engine - SAE 15W40 in summer, 5W40 or 10W40 in the cold season, 5W40 regardless of the season.

At the same time, it must be remembered that the maintenance of engines of obsolete designs does not provide for the use of modern synthetic oils, which is largely due to their increased penetration rate, as a result of which the rate of oil leakage through ill-fitting parts of the motor increases. Some inexperienced drivers wonder why they often have to add oil to the engine, while professionals approach this issue very responsibly. In some cars, grease burns out very quickly, but not always. increased consumption oil indicates a malfunction of the power unit, just as long-term use of the liquid does not indicate the absence of problems in the engine. In many cases, fuel consumption depends on the type of engine and its volume. So, for small cars, a consumption of 1 liter per 1000 km is considered large, and for cars with a V6 or V8 power unit, it is the norm.

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How is the amount of lubricant in the motor determined?

Each owner of the "iron horse" can independently determine how much lubrication is in the engine and whether oil needs to be filled. As a rule, the required amount of oil in the power unit is indicated in technical documentation to the car. The fluid level is determined with the motor turned off or 10 minutes after it has completely stopped, or before starting. For the measurements to be correct, the vehicle must be on a horizontally level surface.

Oil selection according to characteristics

Each car comes with a special dipstick for measuring oil. As a rule, it is located in front of the engine and is a thin metal bar with applied divisions. To pull out the probe, you need to grab the ring handle and pull it towards you. Then you should wipe the dipstick from the oil, lower it into the engine until it stops and pull it out again. The amount of lubricant in the motor is determined by the marks. If the oil reaches the top mark, no fluid needs to be added. If it approaches the bottom, the engine needs lubrication. Experienced experts recommend checking the oil level at least once every 7 days. Each car model requires a certain amount of engine lubricant. So, when preparing oil for filling, it should be taken into account that domestic-made cars need a liquid volume of about 4 liters, foreign cars with an engine capacity of up to 2.4 liters - up to 4 liters, and cars with larger engines - over 4 liters. So, the oil level is checked and you can start adding lubricant to the engine.

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Algorithm for filling oil in the engine

Where to pour oil? For this, there is a special oil filler neck located above the engine block. It can be distinguished by the Oil Fill mark or by the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer (for example, 5W40). Remove the cap from the neck, wipe with a rag and set aside.

Then, insert a crow into the resulting hole and carefully pour no more than 1 cup of oil. When the liquid sinks into the sump (this will happen after 15-20 minutes), you need to check the oil level with a dipstick. If it is not high enough, the procedure should be repeated. The probe must be wiped with a cloth each time you take a measurement. A sufficient amount of lubricant in the motor will be signaled by a level approaching the maximum mark. After that, remove the funnel from the hole, close the neck with a lid and install the probe in its place.

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Complete engine oil change

In the event that the type of oil filled into the engine is unknown, a complete replacement liquids. The main thing here is to do it right. Before filling in new grease, you must drain the old one.

First of all, you should choose a place for the procedure. The ideal option looks like a special pit in the garage, but if there is none, a replacement can be made in the field or at their summer cottage. It is not recommended to change the oil with a cold engine - such a substance is too viscous and cannot be completely drained. To completely free the engine from old grease, warm up the engine and carry out the procedure 10 minutes after turning it off. In order to drain the oil, you will need to put the car on the handbrake and raise it with a jack. In no case should the car roll when there is a person under it, so you can secure the hand brake with heavy bars or cinder blocks, supporting the wheels with them. In addition, you will need to prepare:

• an old bowl or basin;
• a bottle of 3 or 5 liters;
• wrench;
• oil filter.

The process of draining old oil is quite simple: you need to find the engine drain hole on the bottom, place a basin under it and unscrew the plug. To prevent hot oil from burning your hands, it is advisable to wear gloves. It will take about 30 minutes for the liquid to completely glass into the bowl. This time can be taken by replacing oil filter. After a while, it is necessary to tighten the drain plug (this should be done very carefully so that the thread does not curl under force), lower the jack and return the car to a horizontal position. Now you can fill in the oil. The procedure is carried out in the same way as described above.

After that, you need to check how the engine works. To do this, you need to start the car and look at the sensor on the instrument panel. If the sensor lights up, but goes out after 5-10 seconds, the oil has got to the right place and is ready to go. Experienced drivers recommend driving a car for several kilometers and rechecking the lubrication level (10-15 minutes after the engine stops). If the readings have not changed, everything is in order. If the volume of oil has decreased, there is a leak somewhere: perhaps the drain cover is not tightly closed or the pipes are leaking. It is necessary to leave the car for the night, and in the morning look under the bottom. An oil puddle will signal a leak. Timely topping up and replacing engine oil will guarantee trouble-free operation of the engine of both a new and a used car.