How to Replace Coolant in Lavida?
3 Answers
Lavida coolant replacement method is as follows: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with a focus on the five-way water pipe. The five-way pipe is named for its five connections to various parts, and the coolant is distributed to different sections of the car after flowing through it. If there is any coolant leakage in this part, replace the water pipe or re-secure the connections as needed. Drain the old coolant and then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir and continue filling it to allow water to flow 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 flowing out of the reservoir will have a faint pink color. Keep adding clean water until the outflow is clear. Note: Remember 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. As some air is expelled from the cooling system, the coolant level will drop. Top it up again until it reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
I used to change the coolant for my Lavida at home, it's quite simple but requires patience. First, wait until the car is completely cooled down; never operate when the engine is hot to avoid burns. Prepare the new coolant—Volkswagen Lavida uses G12 or G13 in the blue bottle—along with a wrench and a pan to catch the old fluid. Open the hood and locate the drain plug on the radiator, usually at the bottom. Use the wrench to loosen it and let the old fluid drain out slowly. This stuff is toxic, so remember to wear gloves and avoid skin contact. After draining, tighten the plug, then pour the new coolant into the expansion tank up to the MAX mark—don’t pour too fast to prevent splashing. Start the engine, turn the heater to the highest temperature and maximum fan speed, and let it circulate for five minutes to purge air bubbles. Then turn off the engine and check the fluid level, topping it up between MIN and MAX to ensure no leaks. I change it every two years to prevent rust in the engine cooling system and avoid freeze cracks in winter. Doing it yourself saves money and teaches you some skills—just remember to clean the garage floor to prevent slipping during the process.
As a family user who frequently drives, I emphasize safety when changing the coolant. First, let the car rest for a few hours to cool down. Wear gloves and goggles, locate the drain plug of the Lavida, which is at the bottom of the radiator, and use a tool to easily unscrew and drain the old fluid. Prepare a large basin to catch the fluid and avoid spills, as the old fluid is harmful to the environment. Then, replace it with new coolant, choosing the G12 model compatible with Volkswagen, and avoid using off-brand products to prevent corrosion. After pouring the new coolant into the expansion tank up to the MAX line, start the car and turn the heater to maximum fan speed to circulate and vent for ten minutes, then top up the fluid. A key point is not to forget to secure the radiator cap to prevent leaks. Keep pets and children away during the operation, as the old fluid is toxic and should be properly disposed of at a recycling station. Change it every two years to protect the water pump and radiator, avoiding overheating damage. Doing it yourself can save hundreds in repair costs, but if you're not confident, it's best to go to a professional shop.
