How to Replace Coolant in a Polo?
4 Answers
Polo replacement coolant method is as follows: 1. First, unscrew the coolant filler cap, then lift the vehicle and remove the engine underbody panel. 2. Locate the radiator lower hose, use a tool to loosen the clamp at the hose connection, then slowly pull out the lower hose to drain the coolant. 3. After cleaning up the remaining coolant, you can replace it with new coolant. Notes: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with special attention to the five-way hose. Additionally, after draining the old coolant, it is necessary to flush the liquid channels with clean water.
As a Polo owner, here are the steps I follow to replace the coolant myself: First, ensure the vehicle is completely cooled down—wait at least two hours after turning off the engine. Open the hood and locate the drain valve under the radiator, usually at the bottom left corner, and place a container to catch the old fluid. Once the valve is opened, the old coolant will gush out—wait about ten minutes for it to drain completely. I usually take this opportunity to check for any cracks in the hoses. When buying new coolant, make sure it’s the VW-approved G12 or G13 type, and you’ll need around 4 liters. Pour it slowly into the expansion tank, leaving some space for air to escape. Start the engine and let it warm up—the coolant level will drop, so top it up to the MAX line before finishing. The most annoying part is cleaning up any spills, so laying down old newspapers is a must.
I have a 2012 Polo, and my experience with changing the coolant involves three steps. The first step, draining the old fluid, is particularly particular about timing. With the engine cold, unscrew the radiator cap and the drain plug, which is located near the left front wheel under the car. Remember to set the heater to the highest temperature to ensure complete drainage. The second step is to prepare new coolant and distilled water, mixing them at a 1:1 ratio—never use tap water as it can cause scaling. The third step is to slowly pour the mixture using a funnel. After filling it up, let the engine idle for ten minutes, watching the temperature gauge needle move to bleed the air. Here’s the crucial part! The cap must be fully tightened, as any leakage can cause overheating. After the change, drive for a few days and then check the fluid level for the most reliable results.
Last week, I just helped my brother replace the coolant in his Polo. The core process boils down to three key steps: first, wait until the car cools down completely, then locate the drain port (usually a small valve at the bottom of the radiator); next, thoroughly flush the system by pouring distilled water in and letting the engine run for five minutes to circulate it; finally, add the new coolant slowly and steadily. A special reminder: make sure to also clean out the reservoir tank thoroughly. The entire process requires patience above all – just waiting for the fluid to drain completely can take half an hour. The only tools needed are a flathead screwdriver and a drain pan, making it manageable even for female DIYers. Don’t forget to wear rubber gloves, as coolant can cause skin irritation if it comes into contact.
