How to Replace Coolant in Damai X5?

[DelMax]

Damai X5 Coolant Replacement Method: 1. When replacing the coolant, wait for the vehicle to cool down. Never replace the coolant when the engine is at high temperature. There is a risk of burns, and draining the coolant while the engine is "hot" can also affect the vehicle's cooling. 2. Drain the coolant. There are many methods to drain the coolant. The more standardized operation is to lift the vehicle, unscrew the bottom drain screw, and let the coolant drain from this screw hole. 3. No matter which method is used to drain the coolant, it is impossible to completely remove all the coolant from the vehicle. A significant amount of coolant will still remain in places like the engine water jacket and condenser. 4. When adding new coolant, you can directly pour about 3.5L (depending on the vehicle model) of coolant into the reservoir. Stop adding when the liquid level reaches the MAX mark. Then, unscrew the drain screw near the "upper hose" and continue adding coolant. Once the coolant flows out continuously from the drain screw without any air bubbles, tighten the drain screw. At this point, the first step of adding coolant and removing air is basically complete. 5. Start the vehicle and let it idle for 3-5 minutes to reach normal operating temperature and allow the newly replaced coolant to circulate fully in the vehicle's cooling system. Then, turn off the engine and open the reservoir. You will notice that the liquid level has dropped slightly. At this point, simply add an appropriate amount of coolant to keep the liquid level between the MAX and MIN marks.

[OGemma]

Changing the coolant for my DaMai X5 last time was exhausting. First, prepare a bucket of the manufacturer-recommended type (parameters are in the manual), then unscrew the overflow tank cap and the bottom drain plug when the engine is cold. It took me forever to locate that plastic valve at the lower left of the radiator, and I ended up splashing coolant all over my hand when connecting the waste fluid bucket. After draining completely, flush the system twice with distilled water until it runs clear. Here's the crucial part—new coolant must be slowly added using a funnel, filling to between the MAX lines on the radiator and overflow tank. Start the engine and wait for the fan to cycle twice; the level will drop, so top it up again—skipping this step can cause air pockets. Finally, don’t forget to check the temperature gauge during a test drive. Older cars’ hose connections tend to leak, so it’s best to inspect them for a week after the change.

[TylerLynn]

I recorded the entire process of replacing the coolant for my partner's Zotye Damai X5. First, make sure to buy the correct type: the red G12 certified version, and avoid mixing with other colors. The tools needed are just a hose clamp and a basin, but thick gloves are a must—the old fluid is highly corrosive. Before draining, set the heater to the highest temperature to empty the liquid in the pipes. The easiest position to reach the drain valve is kneeling by the front right wheel. When refilling, do it in stages: first pour 6L of new coolant into the main tank, start the engine and wait until the temperature reaches 90°C, then turn it off after the electric fan kicks in. After cooling, top up to the mark on the secondary tank—this method basically eliminates the need for bleeding. Remember to seal the leftover waste fluid properly and hand it over to a repair shop for disposal—don’t pour it down the drain.

[DelDaisy]

Honestly, the biggest fear of DIY replacement is messing up the engine. For the Damai X5, there are some specifics: after draining the old fluid, it's recommended to clean the water channels. A 20-yuan scale remover from Taobao mixed with distilled water and circulated for ten minutes works great. When choosing new coolant, pay attention to the freezing point: -25°C for the south and -40°C for the north. When pouring in the new fluid, squeeze the upper hose a few times to help with air release, otherwise the dashboard coolant temperature warning light will come on. For the first three days after replacement, check the auxiliary tank level daily as plastic pipes expand and contract with heat, swallowing up half a liter of fluid. Modified cars require extra caution, especially those with removed turbos as air release in the water channels is more difficult. If you're really unsure, spend 80 yuan to get it done at a quick repair shop for peace of mind.

[VonElliott]

As a five-year owner of the Damai X5, I've learned three lessons about changing coolant: First, the drain valve is made of plastic, and excessive force can break it. Second, don't overfill the overflow tank, as hot engine expansion can cause it to spray out. Third, don't exceed the two-year replacement cycle, as acidic coolant can corrode the aluminum cylinder head. The specific steps are: Prepare 6 liters of new coolant and wait until the engine is completely cool before draining. Be patient during draining—it takes about half an hour. Then flush the system with distilled water through the radiator filler neck. The key is bleeding air—start the engine and remove the thermostat's vent screw until coolant drips out, indicating all air is purged. The whole process takes two hours, and doing it yourself can save 300 yuan in labor costs.

[RosalieDella]

Don't believe those online posts saying you can just pour it in and be done! The DaMai X5's cooling system has a complex structure, and replacing it yourself requires five steps: ① Open the auxiliary tank cap when the engine is cold to prevent burns; ② Place a basin under the car and remove the radiator drain valve; ③ Turn the heater to MAX setting to flush the internal circulation pipes; ④ Pour new coolant into the radiator until it reaches the filler neck; ⑤ Keep the engine running at 2500 RPM for three minutes to purge air. Use Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant—don't cheap out and buy mixed or diluted types. After replacement, monitor the auxiliary tank for a few days. If there are no bubbles and the water level doesn't drop suddenly, you've succeeded. Last time I didn't fully purge the air, and the engine overheated halfway—the towing fee alone cost more than three coolant changes.