Where is the coolant drain port located on the new Santana?
2 Answers
The new Santana's radiator does not have a dedicated coolant drain port. To drain the coolant, you need to remove the vehicle's drain hose. The coolant replacement procedure is as follows: Before completely replacing the coolant, conduct a thorough inspection to check for any signs of leakage or cracks in all pipes, with particular attention to the five-way water pipe. The coolant flows through this five-way pipe before being distributed to various parts of the vehicle to perform its function. If there are any signs of coolant leakage in this area, replace the hose or resecure the connection as needed. Drain the old coolant, then flush the fluid channels with clean water. Add clean water to the coolant reservoir and continue filling until water flows continuously through the engine cooling system. Start the engine and let it idle for 3 to 5 minutes to circulate the water. Initially, the water draining from the reservoir will have a faint pink tint. Continue adding clean water until the outflowing water runs clear. Note: Remember to remove the heater hose to drain all water from the heater core. After draining for about an hour, add new coolant through the radiator hose. Then, pour another container of coolant into the reservoir until it is nearly full. Start the engine and let it run for about 10 minutes. As some air is purged from the cooling system, the fluid level will drop. Top up the coolant again until it reaches the "MAX" mark on the reservoir.
I've driven the new Santana several times, and the coolant drain port is usually located at the bottom of the radiator. The radiator is positioned at the very front of the engine bay, resembling a metal mesh structure, with a small black plastic knob or screw at the bottom—that's the drain valve. Unscrew it to drain the old coolant, and remember to place a bucket underneath to avoid waste or contamination. When changing the coolant, ensure the engine is cool; it's best to perform the operation at room temperature to prevent burns. After draining, tighten the valve, then refill with new coolant up to the MAX line on the expansion tank, mixed with distilled water at a 1:1 ratio to prevent corrosion or freezing. In fact, changing the coolant every two years can prevent radiator clogging and engine overheating issues, saving money and ensuring safety. Personally, I always feel the car runs smoother after each change.
