
Generally, the coolant in a Buick Excelle should be replaced every two years or approximately 40,000 kilometers. Before completely replacing the coolant, a thorough inspection should be conducted to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with particular attention to the five-way hose. The five-way hose gets its name from having five connections to various parts, and the coolant is distributed to different sections of the car after flowing through it. If there is any leakage of coolant in this area, the hose or connections should be replaced or resealed as necessary. Drain the old coolant, then flush the fluid channels with clean water. Add water to the coolant reservoir and continue filling until water flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water draining from the reservoir will have a faint pink tint. Continue adding clean water until the outflow is clear. Remember to disconnect the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. After draining for about an hour, add the new coolant through the radiator hose to allow it to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, pour another container of coolant into the reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. As some air is expelled from the cooling system, the coolant level will drop. Top it up again until it reaches the maximum mark "MAXT" on the reservoir.

I've been driving my Excelle for over a decade. Generally, the coolant should be replaced every two years or every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers, depending on driving habits and vehicle condition. If you frequently drive in city traffic jams or on high-temperature routes, the engine is under greater stress, and the fluid deteriorates faster—in such cases, you might need to replace it every year and a half. Coolant isn't just for preventing freezing; it also protects the cooling system from rust. Once it expires, the pipes can corrode and leak, increasing the risk of engine seizure. I recommend checking the color and fluid level during every maintenance session—if it turns dark brown or becomes cloudy, it should be addressed immediately. Sticking to regular replacements can extend the engine's lifespan by several years. Don't cut corners to save a little money and end up paying a big price. This is how I maintain my car—super practical.

I've been driving my Excelle for over three years, and changing the coolant every two years or so is simple and worry-free. Last time I delayed it to three years without changing, and the engine almost overheated and broke down. Now I've made it a habit. Usually, pay attention to the coolant level between the minimum and maximum lines. If the color changes from clear to cloudy, it's time to replace it. Don't take it lightly in cold weather; reduced antifreeze capability can freeze and crack parts. For convenience, just get it done during regular maintenance. If you change it yourself, remember to wear gloves—safety first. If you mostly drive in city conditions, shorter intervals will give you more peace of mind.

Timely replacement of coolant is crucial, otherwise it can corrode engine components, and failure in winter may freeze and damage the engine, leading to accidents. I recommend strictly adhering to the manual's guidelines—the Excelle typically requires a change every two years or 40,000 kilometers. Don't overlook color changes—if the light blue turns darker, it's time to take notice. While it may seem insignificant in safe driving, any issue can lead to major trouble. Regular checks can prevent problems before they occur.


