Next place a large drain pan under the radiator. Finally close the radiator cap and let the engine run for another 10 minutes to cycle the fluid through the coolant system.

Check Your Antifreeze Coolant Antifreeze Helps Control The Temperature Of A Vehicle S Engine Since It Remains Liqui Engineering Car Air Conditioning Car Care

To learn more including how to replace your car s thermostat scroll down.

How to change coolant in car. If your vehicle has a plastic tank or reservoir for coolant open that cap too. If the coolant looks clean start the job by jacking up the vehicle and supporting it with jack stands. In the old days generally before 2000 changing your vehicle s coolant was simple.

Loosen the lower radiator hose clamp with pliers spring type clamp or a screwdriver worm drive clamp and remove the hose. Replace the drain valve. June 2 2017 for some vehicles you re advised to change the coolant every 30 000 miles.

After 2000 cars got more complex and many. Place a large drain pan under the radiator and remove the radiator cap. Refill the system to the base of the filler neck with the correct antifreeze.

Give your car engine at least 30 to 45 minutes to cool off completely. Open the radiator fill cap usually on top of the radiator. How to change coolant a step by step guide to doing it yourself park car on level ground.

Then open the drain cock and drain the radiator. Avoid sloping driveways where your drain pan or jugs of. How to change coolant.

Once the vehicle is cool to the touch open the drain valve to drain the water and pour in the new coolant. How to change coolant in your car. 2 consult the vehicle owner s manual for the location of the radiator petcock or drain and position the container on the ground under that drain so it s ready to capture the escaping antifreeze.

Drain cocks come in several different styles screw threads quarter turn twist and quarter turn and pull. Then make sure your car is parked on a flat surface if you still need to use a floor jack. Locate and remove the reserve tank from its holder and drain any remaining coolant then put the tank back in place.

Set up your work area on level ground. First off check your owner s manual for the coolant type and amount needed for your vehicle. If it s hot.

If your radiator doesn t have a cap remove the pressure cap from the coolant tank. Allow the engine to cool. You will need a bucket beneath the car under the radiator to catch the old coolant flushing out.

For others changing the coolant isn t even on the maintenance schedule. Flush the system as many times as necessary to ensure it is completely empty of coolant.