What are the steps for replacing the coolant in a Lavida?

[DiMackenzie]

The method for replacing the coolant in a Lavida 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 particular focus on the five-way water pipe. The five-way pipe is named for its five connecting interfaces that link various parts of the car. The coolant flows through the five-way pipe and is then distributed to different parts of the vehicle to perform its function. If there is any leakage of coolant in this section, the water pipe should be replaced or the interface re-secured as needed. Drain the old coolant and then flush the liquid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir and continue to pour water into the reservoir, allowing the 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. The water initially flowing out of the reservoir will have a faint pink color. Continue adding clean water until the water runs clear. Note: Do not forget to remove the heater hose and drain the water from the heater core. Approximately one hour after draining, add the new coolant through the radiator hose. This allows the coolant to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, add another bottle of coolant to the coolant 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. Add more coolant until the level reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.

[LaJoy]

I've been driving a Volkswagen Lavida for many years, and changing the coolant is something I can do myself. The steps are to wait until the car has cooled down and the engine is no longer hot to the touch, then open the hood and locate the drain plug under the radiator. Use a wrench to gently loosen it and let the old fluid flow into a container prepared in advance. After draining, it's best to rinse the inside of the radiator with clean water to remove any residual impurities. After rinsing and draining, add new coolant. The Lavida is suitable for G12-type coolant, mixed at a 50% coolant and 50% distilled water ratio. Don't fill it too much—just up to the MAX line. Then start the engine to let the temperature rise, and observe the coolant level. If it drops, top it up a bit and tighten the cap. Coolant should be changed every two years or 40,000 kilometers; otherwise, it can easily cause rust, freezing, and damage to the engine. I once forgot to change it, and the radiator froze and cracked in winter, costing a lot more to repair. Developing the habit can save you big money and protect your car. By the way, the coolant capacity may vary for different car models—the Lavida usually takes around 4 to 6 liters.

[StMary]

I just got my driver's license and changing the coolant sounded complicated, but it turned out to be quite simple. After turning off the engine and letting it cool, I opened the front hood from the driver's seat, found the small valve under the round coolant reservoir, gently unscrewed it, and let the old fluid drain into a bucket to collect it—making sure not to spill any on the ground to avoid a mess. Once fully drained, I rinsed it a few times with a hose and clean water to ensure no residue remained. Then, I poured in the new coolant—Lavida uses pink-colored coolant, so make sure not to buy the wrong brand. The mixing ratio is half coolant and half distilled water. Fill it up to near the MAX line, start the car, and wait a few minutes for it to warm up. Check for stability and leaks—if all is good, you’ve succeeded. Learning this as a beginner is practical, saving money while gaining knowledge. However, if you’re worried about making mistakes on your first try, it’s reasonable and safer to seek help from an auto repair shop—safety always comes first.

[HarrisonLynn]

The core steps for changing coolant are ensuring the engine is cool, locating the drain hole, opening the cap, draining the old fluid, cleaning the system, adding new fluid, warming up the engine, and checking the level. Choose Volkswagen-approved G12 coolant, mix it with distilled water, pour it into the Lavida's reservoir up to the MAX line, start the engine for 5 minutes until the level stabilizes, then close the cap and finish. Note: Do not mix different types as different colors can cause sediment and clog pipes. Replace every two years to extend lifespan and prevent system corrosion or freezing risks.