
The steps for replacing the coolant in the Mazda 3 Axela are as follows: 1. Let the vehicle sit for half an hour before replacing the coolant to allow the high-temperature coolant that has just stopped circulating to cool down. Loosen the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator until all the coolant has completely drained out. 2. Put the vehicle in neutral and run it while pouring clean water into the coolant reservoir. The principle is to flush out the old coolant with clean water until the discharged water appears colorless, indicating that the old coolant has been completely removed. 3. After all the water has drained out, reinstall the drain screw and turn off the engine. Pour the new coolant into the reservoir until the liquid level is between the MIN and MAX marks. It's okay to add a little more. 4. Start the engine for inspection. At idle, the air in the cooling system pipes will be expelled, causing the coolant level to drop slightly. 5. Once the liquid level stabilizes, add more coolant until it is between the two marks again. At this point, the coolant replacement is complete.

As a friend who drives frequently, I know adding coolant requires careful operation, especially for modern models like the Mazda3. First, make sure the engine is completely cooled—never touch any components when the car is hot, or the steam could cause burns. Next, open the engine hood and locate the white or translucent expansion tank, usually positioned on the left side of the engine. Check the fluid level marks Min and Max—if it's below Min, you'll need to top it up. I recommend using Mazda-approved pre-mixed antifreeze coolant with a 50/50 ratio—don't cut corners by using plain water, as it can cause rust, corrosion, and freezing in the engine. Slowly unscrew the cap and pour the coolant in gradually, stopping before it overflows above the Max line. After topping up, securely fasten the cap, start the engine, and let it run for a few minutes to check if the dashboard's coolant temperature gauge reads normal. Regular checks like this help prevent overheating issues and ensure driving safety. Also, pick a cool, shady day for this task—it's much easier than sweating under the scorching sun.

I'm the kind of person who enjoys tinkering with car maintenance myself, and adding coolant is actually super simple—the Mazda3's expansion tank is right below the windshield. Just wipe the tank clean with a cloth, check the markings clearly before proceeding. Only open the cap when the engine is completely cool, loosen it slowly to release pressure, and pause if any foam splashes out. Pour in the prepared antifreeze, keeping the amount between the Min and Max marks—don't overfill it. Use a funnel to avoid spills during pouring, and the mixture should be 50% coolant and 50% distilled water, or you can buy premixed coolant for convenience. For tools, just keep a towel, gloves, and a plastic container handy for emergency cleanup. After adding, remember to gently shake the tank to remove bubbles and check the hoses for any signs of leaks. Doing this regularly can extend the radiator's lifespan and save you frequent trips to the repair shop.

Adding coolant requires prioritizing safety—never touch the expansion tank cap when the engine is hot, as high-pressure steam can erupt dangerously. Wait a few hours for the car to cool down, then use a transparent container with measurement marks. If the fluid level is below the Min line, fill it with a mixture of antifreeze just below the Max line. Avoid using tap water as a quick fix, as it can damage the cooling system. After the simple procedure, start the engine to check the water temperature; if it's normal, you're good to go.


