How to Replace Coolant in a Reiz?
4 Answers
Steps to replace coolant in a Reiz: 1. Open the radiator drain valve, typically located at the bottom of the vehicle; 2. Drain the old coolant; 3. Flush the cooling system; 4. After all the water has drained out, close the drain valve, then add new coolant. The coolant used in vehicles has an expiration period, generally around 2 years, while higher-quality coolants can last up to 5 years. It is essential to replace the coolant regularly during vehicle use. Once the coolant exceeds its expiration period, it can cause rust in the engine's water passages, which not only affects the engine's normal operation but may also lead to overheating. The Reiz is the domestic name for the Japanese Toyota MARKX model, produced on the same production line as the Crown, sharing the same chassis and equipped with the same six-speed automatic transmission as the Crown.
I've always thought changing coolant requires extra caution. For the Toyota Mark X, it's best to operate only after the engine has completely cooled down, otherwise hot water splashing out can cause burns. Park the car on level ground, locate the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator and unscrew it to let the old coolant flow into a collection bucket. Afterwards, check hoses for cracks or looseness - repair if found, otherwise flush the system with distilled water circulating for a few minutes for better cleaning. Then add new coolant - it must be the Toyota Genuine Super Long Life type, mixed according to the manual's specified ratio (don't get this wrong). After filling, start the engine and let it run for 10 minutes until the fan activates to bleed air, then recheck fluid levels. Finally, tighten the cap securely to prevent leaks. Wear gloves and old clothes for protection throughout the process, and take used coolant to repair shops for eco-friendly disposal. Regular changes like this prevent engine overheating and keep the Mark X running smoothly - I recommend doing it every 2 years or 50,000 km.
Last year when I drove my Reiz, I changed the coolant for the first time by myself, which saved quite a bit of money. After letting the car cool down for two hours, I used a screwdriver to open the small hole under the radiator, and the old fluid gushed into a plastic bucket. Not having prepared a bucket in advance, I ended up spilling it all over the place and spent a long time wiping it up with an old towel. I skipped the flushing step and directly added the new blue bottle coolant, mixing it at a 1:1 ratio. After starting the engine, I noticed the fluid level was a bit low, so I quickly turned it off and topped it up. During the bleeding process, the fan whirred loudly, and I waited until the engine sound stabilized before finishing up. It's best to do this on a sunny day and keep some paper towels in the car just in case of spills. Now, my Reiz's engine temperature is much more stable. I think DIY isn’t hard, but it’s important to take it slow and not rush—just a wrench is needed. Checking the fluid level monthly for maintenance helps avoid costly trips to the repair shop.
Changing the coolant in a Reiz is quite straightforward. Here are the key points to remember: Ensure the engine is cool before operation for safety; open the drain hole to empty the old fluid; check hoses for leaks; add new coolant to the standard level; start the engine and run for five minutes to bleed air. Using the correct OEM coolant protects the engine from corrosion. Do not dispose of old fluid improperly—take it to a repair station for recycling. Regular changes can extend the vehicle's lifespan.
