How to Drain Coolant?
4 Answers
Unscrew the radiator cap, open the radiator drain valve, and the coolant can be drained. The method for replacing the car engine coolant is as follows: 1. Unscrew the radiator cap, open the radiator drain valve, and drain the coolant. 2. Insert a rubber hose connected to a tap into the radiator filler port, turn on the tap, and let tap water continuously flow through the engine cooling system. During the flushing operation, keep the engine idling and continue the above steps until clear water comes out of the radiator. 3. Turn off the tap, wait until all the water in the cooling system is drained, then close the radiator drain valve. 4. Add coolant to the radiator filler port until it is full. Unscrew the reservoir cap, add coolant up to the "Max" mark, being careful not to exceed it. 5. Replace and tighten the radiator cap and reservoir cap. 6. Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes, then unscrew the radiator cap. At this point, the coolant level will drop as some air is expelled from the cooling system. Add more coolant until it reaches the "Max" mark again.
I'm quite familiar with changing coolant, it's a DIY job at home. The key is waiting until the engine cools down completely - right after turning it off, the coolant temperature can reach 90°C, and getting burned is no joke. Pop the hood and locate the radiator, there's a drain valve at the bottom that looks like a faucet, just loosen it counterclockwise with a wrench. Remember to lay plastic sheeting under the car and place a large pan to catch the old fluid, otherwise it'll spill everywhere. After fully draining, tighten the valve, then pour new coolant through the radiator fill port - don't overfill, leave some expansion space. Finally, start the engine to let the water pump circulate for 10 minutes, the level will drop so top it up to the midway mark. Check the level multiple times during the first two days after changing - leaks would be troublesome.
The first time I changed the coolant myself, I was all flustered, but now I've got it down to a science. First, gather the necessary tools: new coolant, a wrench, and a large basin. The key is to work on a cold engine! Locate the plastic drain valve at the bottom of the radiator—it's often hidden behind a protective panel. Position the basin under the drain outlet when loosening the valve, and the dark-colored old coolant will gush out. It takes about 15 minutes to drain completely, and during this time, avoid touching any hot pipes. When refilling with new coolant, pay attention to the scale markings. It's recommended to mix it with 50% distilled water for optimal performance. Don't be alarmed if you hear gurgling sounds right after starting the car—that's just air being purged from the system. Most importantly, dispose of the used coolant properly by taking it to an auto repair shop; pouring it down the drain is harmful to the environment.
Just three simple steps: Cool the engine, drain the old fluid, and add new coolant. Make sure the engine temperature drops below 40°C before starting. Wear thick gloves when loosening the drain valve. After draining, pour new coolant up to the maximum level mark, then start the engine for ten minutes. Wait until the fan kicks in—this indicates proper circulation. Finally, check the temperature of the lower radiator hose. If the upper part is hot while the lower part remains cool, it means there’s an airlock, and you’ll need to bleed the system again.
