How to Replace the Coolant in a Lavida?
3 Answers
Lavida vehicle coolant replacement method is as follows: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection first to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in all pipelines, with a focus on the five-way water pipe. The five-way pipe is named for its five interfaces connecting various parts, and the coolant is distributed to different parts of the car through the five-way pipe to function. If there is any sign of coolant leakage in this part, the water pipe should be replaced or the interface re-secured as needed. Drain the old coolant, then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir, then continuously inject clean water into the reservoir to allow it to flow through the engine cooling system. Start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. The water initially flowing out from the reservoir will be slightly pinkish. Continue injecting clean water until clear water flows out. Note: Remember to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. About one hour after draining, add the new coolant through the radiator hose to allow the coolant to flow quickly into the radiator. Then add another bucket of coolant to the coolant reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. At this point, as some air is expelled from the cooling system, the liquid level will drop slightly. Add more coolant until it reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
When replacing the coolant for the Lavida, I learned from experience that safety comes first. After turning off the engine, wait until it cools down completely before starting; otherwise, the scalding hot liquid can spray out and burn you. Then, locate the coolant reservoir at the front of the car, carefully unscrew the cap to release internal pressure—this cap has a safety valve, so don’t force it open. There’s usually a drain plug at the bottom; use a wrench to loosen it and let the old coolant flow into a bucket, ensuring proper disposal to avoid environmental pollution. I prefer flushing the system once with a water gun to remove any residue. Next, add the new coolant—Lavida recommends using Volkswagen G12 specification, so don’t buy the wrong brand and compromise cooling performance. Fill it to the MAX line, start the engine for a few minutes to circulate the coolant, then recheck and adjust the level. Replacing it every two years or 50,000 kilometers prevents engine rust and overheating issues—a simple DIY that saves on repair costs.
As an average driver, I prioritize safe antifreeze replacement procedures. After driving home, turn off the engine and wait several hours for it to cool before opening the cap. Wear gloves and eye protection to prevent accidental burns. Consult the manual to locate the reservoir, typically on the right side of the engine bay, then loosen the vent valve to release pressure. Use a wrench to easily open the drain plug at the bottom, placing a pan underneath to collect the old fluid – remember this liquid is toxic and must be disposed of at professional recycling points. When adding new antifreeze, ensure you select the correct type; the Lavida is compatible with G12 series, identifiable by colors like pink or blue. After starting the vehicle, drive for a few minutes, then park and check that the fluid level is between min and max marks – levels too low can damage the engine. I don't recommend novices attempt this casually; mistakes like leaks or overheating could cause serious issues, so visiting a 4S shop is safer. Regular antifreeze changes ensure proper engine cooling and prevent radiator cracks in winter.
