Changing the coolant - do it yourself or is it better to hire a specialist?

How to add coolant? This is not a difficult task, but there are many issues that need special attention. Replacing the coolant this is a process that needs to be repeated regularly as it is important to keep the car in good condition.. The coolant in your car is responsible for maintaining the correct temperature while the engine is running. Ignoring signals that a fluid needs to be changed can lead to failure or even replacement of the entire engine. What do we do when the light presses on us? Check out our tips to learn what to do step by step!

Why is coolant replacement so important?

Replacing the coolant this is the main occupation for every driver from time to time. This affects the correct operation of the entire vehicle. Especially for an engine that gets very hot on long trips. Lack of fluid replacement in the car causes various malfunctions. A cracked cylinder head gasket or a damaged block are the most common ailments in vehicles that have not had a coolant change. Over time, the fluid loses its properties and must be replaced in order to maintain a constant temperature in the engine. 

How often should the coolant in the radiator be changed?

How often should you change your coolant to keep your car safe? Over time, the fluid loses its parameters and ceases to protect the drive system from high temperature and corrosion. Add coolant every 3-5 years. Replacing the coolant in the workshop will cost about 10 euros (plus the cost of buying liquid). Self-replacement is limited to the purchase of fluid.

What do you need to change the coolant yourself?

Before moving on to When replacing the coolant, you need to prepare a container for the drained fluid.. It should be large enough, although a lot depends on the car. The funnel is also useful for replacement. The cooling system will hold from 6 to 10 liters. Please note that all replacement should be done on a cold engine. If the engine is hot, old coolant can burn you. Also, when pouring cold liquid into a hot engine, the drive head can be damaged.

Flushing the engine

When changing the fluid, you can flush the cooling system. To do this, you will need rinse aid and distilled water. Add coolant relatively simple. Remember that the care of the cooling system is extremely important for the car. It has a positive effect on the operation of the entire vehicle and increases safety while driving.

Checking the condition of the fluid, how much coolant should be?

The fluid level can be easily checked. Manufacturers put measurements on the packaging that determine the minimum and maximum. How much coolant should be in the reservoir? Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for recommended fluid levels. Do not add coolant "by eye", as this can cause serious damage to the cooling system. Check the fluid level only with the engine off and cold.

How to replace used coolant? Step-by-step instruction

When changing the coolant car must stand on a level surface to make it easier for you to determine the fluid level in the radiator. How to change the coolant?

Coolant - replacement. Preparation

Here are the initial steps:

• carefully check the technical condition of the cooler. If everything is in order, find the drain plug. If there are small leaks, you should buy a radiator sealant in the form of a powder or liquid. Apply it only after replacement;
• We start flushing the cooling system. To do this, pour the preparation into a cold radiator to clean the entire system;
• set the heater knob to maximum heat;
• start the engine and let it run for 15 minutes. It is better to clean the system on a warm engine;
• turn off the engine and wait until it cools down. 

Draining the coolant

How to drain the coolant from the radiator? Here are our tips:

• find the plugs of the expansion tank and radiator and open them;
• find a drain valve. Consider the first two points if you have not flushed the radiator before. Otherwise, after cleaning the system, proceed immediately to the next step;
• pour the liquid into a container. Remember that the old fluid cannot be thrown away, but must be disposed of;
• after removing the liquid, flush the cooling system with distilled water to get rid of all impurities.

Fill, i.e. final coolant change

• how and where to fill in new coolant? After flushing with water, close the drain plug;
• fresh liquid can be poured into a prepared clean system. You can fill the system through the expansion tank;
• After filling fluid, check system ventilation and fluid level. You can add sealing liquid to prevent minor leaks.

What else do you need to know about coolant?

Such fluids should be changed regularly and in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, which are found in the vehicle's owner's manual. Each manufacturer has different recommendations, so keep that in mind. Where does the coolant go? The liquid must be filled into the cooling system, which affects the maintenance of the appropriate temperature during engine operation. You should change the coolant every few years or every few thousand miles, depending on the car.

Do I need to flush the radiator and cooling system?

Good quality coolants, but deposits form when heated and cooled. They are often deposited on the edges of individual elements of the cooling system. Therefore, it is worth flushing the cooling system before each fluid change. Can coolant be mixed?? Such liquids can be mixed, but it is important that they are produced using the same technology. 

Sealing the radiator - do-it-yourself repair or replacement of the cooling system?

If the damage to the equipment is minor, a liquid or powder can be used to seal the leak. These are drugs that will be safe for the vehicle, as well as act quickly and efficiently. The composition of the powder includes aluminum microparticles, which capture the smallest defects in the cooling system.

Coolant is one of the most important fluids to keep your drive system running properly. You should change the coolant in your radiator every few years. Why is coolant replacement so important? Thanks to regular replacements, you will protect your car from defects.