How to Replace Coolant in a Sedan?
3 Answers
Method for replacing coolant in a sedan: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with particular attention to the five-way hose. The five-way hose gets its name from having five connections to different parts of the car. The coolant flows through the five-way hose and is then distributed to various parts of the vehicle to perform its function. If there are signs of coolant leakage in this section, replace the hose or resecure the connections as needed. Drain the old coolant and then flush the fluid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir and continue filling the reservoir with water until it flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Then, start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water draining from the reservoir may have a faint pink tint. Continue adding clean water until the water coming out is clear. Note: Don’t forget to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. After draining for about an hour, add the new coolant through the radiator hose to allow it 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. During this time, the coolant level will drop slightly as air is purged from the cooling system. Top up the coolant to the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
As a car enthusiast, I often change the coolant myself. It's not difficult but requires attention to safety. First, park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine, waiting until it cools down before proceeding to avoid the risk of burns. Then, open the engine compartment and locate the drain plug at the bottom of the expansion tank or radiator, placing a basin underneath to catch the old fluid. After draining all the old coolant, tighten the plug and flush the system with clean water once or twice to ensure it's clean. Next, pour in the new coolant slowly to avoid overflow, and start the engine to warm it up, which helps remove air bubbles automatically. Finally, check that the fluid level is between the MIN and MAX marks. Prepare gloves and rags for the job, and choose the manufacturer-specified coolant type. I recommend changing it annually, especially before winter, to prevent the cooling system from freezing or overheating. The whole process takes about half an hour, saving money and improving car performance. Beginners should first read the manual or watch instructional videos.
I just helped a friend replace the coolant and found it quite simple, but you can't be careless. First, make sure the car is completely cooled down, such as waiting an hour before operating. Locate the expansion tank cap in the front compartment, unscrew the drain plug to release the old fluid, being careful not to spill it on the ground and pollute the environment. After draining, clean up any residue and pour in new coolant until it reaches the standard line. Start the car and let the engine idle for a few minutes, then observe if the fluid level stabilizes. I recommend that beginners not skip the bleeding step, as trapped air bubbles can reduce cooling efficiency. The tools needed are just a bucket and a wrench, and buy common green or blue universal coolant. The whole process should take no more than 20 minutes. The first time might be a bit chaotic, but practice makes perfect. Remember to wash your hands and clean up afterward—safety first.
