What is the method for replacing coolant in the Regal?
3 Answers
Regal coolant replacement method is: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection first to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in the pipes, with a focus on examining the five-way water pipe. The five-way pipe gets its name from having five connecting interfaces to various parts. The coolant flows through the five-way pipe and is then distributed to different parts of the car 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 continue to pour water into the reservoir to allow it to flow continuously 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 of the reservoir will be slightly pinkish. Continue adding clean water until the water coming out is clear. Note: Don’t forget 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. This is a method to allow the coolant to flow quickly into the radiator. Then, add another container 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. Add more coolant until it reaches the maximum mark "MAXT" on the reservoir.
I've been changing the coolant myself for years, and it's quite straightforward with the Buick Regal. Make sure the car is completely cooled down; leaving it overnight is safest to avoid hot liquid spraying and causing burns. Locate the expansion tank cap in the engine bay and slowly twist it open to release pressure. Then find the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator, loosen it with a wrench, and let the old fluid flow into a large basin to catch it—don’t let it spill everywhere. Once all the old fluid is drained, flush the system with distilled water to rinse out any residue. Tighten the valve, pour fresh coolant into the expansion tank, and mix it with distilled water according to the manual’s ratio (usually 50/50). After filling, start the engine and let it run for about ten minutes to warm up and release air bubbles. Once cooled, top up to the proper level. The whole process takes about half an hour, and all you need is a wrench and a funnel—I always keep these in my home garage. Remember to change it every two years or when the fluid looks cloudy to prevent engine freezing or overheating. Lastly, don’t dump the old fluid—store it in a recycling container for proper disposal.
My first coolant change was guided by online tutorials—super nervous but easy to learn. For the Buick Regal model, first park the car steadily and let it cool for at least a few hours; only start when the engine feels cool to touch. Slowly open the expansion tank cap to avoid splashing. The drain valve is likely at the lower left of the radiator—unscrew it and use a deep pan to catch the old fluid. After draining, pour some distilled water into the tank to flush the system, run the engine briefly, then drain again to ensure impurities are removed. When adding new coolant, follow the correct ratio, like 50% coolant mixed with 50% water. Use a funnel aligned with the tank opening and pour slowly to avoid spills. After filling, start the engine and let it run for a while to purge air bubbles, then turn it off, check the fluid level, and adjust as needed. Be careful not to overfill or underfill—I learned this the hard way after a leak. For beginners, it’s recommended to change every two years or as per the manual to extend your car’s lifespan. Dispose of old coolant properly at a designated facility—never dump it randomly.
