How to Completely Replace Coolant?
2 Answers
Coolant replacement method: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in all pipes, with a particular focus on the five-way water pipe. The five-way pipe gets its name from having five interfaces that connect to various parts. The coolant flows through the five-way pipe and is then distributed to different parts of the vehicle to function. If there is any coolant leakage in this section, replace the water pipe or re-secure the interface as needed. Drain the old coolant, then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir, then continuously inject water into the reservoir so that it flows through the engine cooling system. Start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. The water initially flowing out of the reservoir will have a faint pink tint. Continue adding clean water until the outflow is clear. Note: Do not forget to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. About an hour after draining, add the new coolant through the radiator hose—this allows the coolant to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, add another container of coolant to the reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. As the cooling system expels some air, the coolant level will drop. Top up the coolant until it reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
I enjoy changing the antifreeze myself, taking my time like a DIY enthusiast. The first step is to wait until the engine is completely cool – working on it while hot can easily burn your hands. Locate the drain plug, usually found at the bottom of the radiator or near the engine block, and place a pan underneath to catch the old fluid, preventing spills. After draining, flush the system: pour clean water into the fill port and rinse several times until the water runs clear to remove any residue. Then, pour in new antifreeze – choose an ethylene glycol-based type, either pre-mixed 50/50 for convenience or mix concentrated fluid with distilled water yourself. After filling, start the car and let the engine run for a while with the heater set to maximum temperature to purge air bubbles, then check for a stable fluid level. Wear gloves throughout to protect your skin – the whole process takes about an hour and gives a real sense of accomplishment. Doing it yourself saves money, teaches you something new, prevents engine overheating, and extends your car's lifespan – recommended every two years. Don’t forget to properly dispose of the old fluid by taking it to a recycling center.
