How many liters of coolant are needed for a Mercedes GLK coolant replacement?
3 Answers
Mercedes GLK requires approximately 6 liters of coolant for a replacement. Coolant is a special additive-containing fluid primarily used in liquid-cooled engine cooling systems. It offers excellent performance in preventing freezing in winter, boiling in summer, and year-round protection against scale and corrosion. Can coolants be mixed: It is necessary to use the same brand of coolant. Different brands of coolant may have varying production formulas. Mixing them could lead to chemical reactions between additives, rendering them ineffective. How to determine if coolant is low: Observe the coolant warning light on the dashboard. If it lights up, it may indicate low coolant levels, though it could also be due to excessively high cylinder temperatures. Check the coolant reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum mark (MIN), do not continue driving and add coolant promptly. Check the water level marks on the coolant tank. The normal coolant level should be between the maximum and minimum marks. If it is below the minimum mark, it indicates a shortage of coolant.
Recently, I helped a friend replace the coolant in their Mercedes-Benz GLK, and we carefully followed the entire process. The standard capacity for the GLK is around 6 liters, which is a crucial figure—too much or too little can cause cooling system issues. When replacing it, first turn off the engine and let the car cool down, then drain the old fluid from the bottom of the radiator. This process releases about 4-5 liters of old fluid. Afterward, fully refill with new coolant, topping up the expansion tank to the correct level, totaling approximately 6 liters. I used the factory-recommended ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed with pure water at a 1:1 ratio. Preparing a 4-liter jug plus a 2-liter jug is just right. Models like the GLK300 or GLK350 have minimal differences, with a normal variance of up to half a liter. It’s recommended to replace the coolant every two years to ensure winter freeze protection and summer boil-over prevention, while also making it a habit to check the fluid level regularly. In short, 6 liters is sufficient for most GLK models—just gather the materials and give it a try.
Having worked in auto repair shops for years, I've handled numerous Mercedes-Benz GLK coolant replacement projects. The standard capacity is confirmed at 6 liters. In actual operation, I thoroughly drain the cooling system, including residual old fluid from the engine and radiator, ensuring new liquid fills every corner, with the final amount stabilizing at 6 liters. For the GLK series like the common GLK350 model, the design capacity is uniformly 6 liters of coolant; however, an additional 0.5 liters may be needed if there are air bubbles in the system. It's recommended to use Mercedes-certified coolant, with a 50% concentration mixture being optimal to prevent corrosion or clumping. Key points: Refill slowly, top up to the full mark after starting the engine and warming it up to avoid false high readings. Regular replacement every 30,000 kilometers is advised to prevent sediment buildup. The conclusion is that preparing 6 liters provides peace of mind.
