What is the tutorial for replacing coolant?
4 Answers
The method for replacing coolant 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 leakage of coolant in this section, replace the water pipe or resecure the connections as needed. Drain the old coolant, then flush the fluid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir, then continuously inject 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. Initially, the water flowing out of the reservoir will have a faint pink color. Continue injecting 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 bottle 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 fluid level will drop. Add more coolant until it reaches the "MAXT" mark on the reservoir.
I've changed the coolant myself several times, and it doesn't seem that complicated, but you do need to be careful. First, park the car on a level surface and let the engine cool down—otherwise, hot fluid can spray out and cause burns. I always wait at least two hours. Then, put on gloves, open the radiator cap or locate the drain valve at the bottom of the engine, and twist it to let the old fluid drain into a bucket. After draining, some people flush the system with water, but this isn't mandatory, especially for older cars. Next, pour in the new coolant—don’t pour too quickly to avoid creating bubbles—and dilute it according to the instructions, usually around 4-5 liters. Start the engine for a few minutes to circulate the fluid and remove air bubbles, then close the cap and check the fluid level. I recommend changing it every two years to prevent the radiator from freezing in winter or overheating in summer. The whole process takes no more than half an hour, but having a helper makes it easier to manage. Basic tools like a wrench, funnel, and drain pan are all you need, and don’t forget to clean up afterward—environmental responsibility matters.
As a DIY car enthusiast, I believe the steps for replacing coolant can be summarized as preparation, draining, flushing, refilling, and inspection. First, ensure the engine has cooled for at least an hour to avoid burns. Then prepare new coolant, wrenches, a bucket, and safety gloves. Open the radiator drain plug to drain the old fluid, preferably collecting it in a container for proper disposal. After draining, consider flushing with water once or twice to remove residual impurities and prevent contamination of the new coolant. When pouring new coolant, do it slowly and ensure you use the correct type and mixture ratio—refer to your vehicle's manual for guidance. After filling, run the engine for about ten minutes to purge air from the system while checking for leaks. Finally, close the cap and verify the fluid level meets requirements. Maintain good ventilation throughout the process due to the liquid's toxicity, and keep children away. I replace mine every 30,000 kilometers to maintain engine efficiency.
When changing coolant, I pay extra attention to safety as high temperature and toxic liquid are common hazards. Always operate when the engine is cold, and wear long sleeves and protective gloves to avoid contact. When draining the old fluid, find a proper drainage point to prevent spills and environmental contamination. Before adding new coolant, it's best to briefly flush the radiator lines with water, but avoid overdoing it to prevent water accumulation. After pouring in the new coolant, starting the engine to remove air bubbles is crucial; otherwise, unstable fluid levels can affect cooling efficiency. Replace it every two years to protect the system from corrosion and rust. Just prepare basic tools like wrenches and a funnel—no need to complicate things.
