What are the steps to replace car coolant?
3 Answers
The steps to replace car coolant are: 1. Open the vehicle's engine compartment hood, and you can see the coolant reservoir in the upper right corner; 2. Open the coolant drain plug under the radiator to drain the old coolant; 3. Add new coolant, tighten the cap, and the coolant replacement is complete. Functions of coolant: 1. Provides anti-corrosion protection for cooling system components; 2. Prevents scale buildup, avoiding reduced radiator efficiency; 3. Ensures the engine operates within the normal temperature range. Precautions for using coolant: 1. The coolant level needs to be checked regularly and replenished promptly if it falls below the lower limit; 2. Observe whether the coolant has any turbid sediment, and replace it promptly if there is; 3. Different vehicle models have different coolant colors, and they should not be mixed; 4. Before winter, measure the freezing point of the coolant to prevent it from freezing.
I've done the antifreeze replacement at home a few times, and the most crucial part is ensuring the car is completely cooled down. Operating when it's hot can release dangerous high-temperature steam. First, locate the radiator in the engine bay, unscrew the drain valve at the bottom to empty the old fluid, and remember to use wheel chocks to secure the vehicle and place a drain pan underneath. Then, tighten the valve again, pour in radiator cleaner and fill it with clean water, start the car and let it idle for ten minutes before draining and rinsing. Repeat the rinsing until the water runs clear. After that, you can add new antifreeze, making sure to mix it with distilled water according to the manual's ratio. Different colored antifreeze has different compositions, so don't mix them. Finally, start the car and wait for the cooling fan to turn on, repeatedly squeeze the radiator return hose to release air until the fluid level stabilizes at the midpoint of the expansion tank's markings. The whole process takes about forty minutes, and once done, you won't have to worry about freezing while driving in winter.
As someone who frequently helps family members with car maintenance, I recommend prioritizing safety when changing coolant. You must wait until the engine is completely cooled down, preferably parked for over two hours. After opening the hood, first locate the drain plug, usually found at the bottom of the radiator or on the side of the engine block. Wear protective gloves when using a wrench to loosen the drain plug. The old coolant is quite toxic, so collect it in a dedicated container and avoid improper disposal. After draining, it's best to flush the system twice with distilled water, paying special attention to any residue in the pipes of the overflow tank. When selecting new coolant, refer to the freezing point standard in your vehicle's manual—for example, choose a -40°C specification for northern winters. Pour the new coolant slowly to prevent air bubbles, stopping when it reaches the MAX line on the overflow tank. Most importantly, keep topping up the coolant as the temperature rises after starting the engine—this task can be a bit troublesome to do alone.
