How to change the coolant: step by step instructions, features and recommendations

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Coolant is one of the components of the smooth and proper operation of engine components. Sooner or later, it becomes necessary to replace the coolant in the car. Every car owner should know how to change the coolant, because there are not always funds for service stations.

Also, do not ignore the fact that not all stations have conscientious workers. Therefore, if you want to do well, it is better to do it yourself. So, today we will answer the question of how to change the coolant.

There are many types of coolant for a vehicle. However, its choice should be taken with the utmost responsibility, since poor quality coolant can lead to engine overheating. And this will turn into global problems with the power unit.

For several decades, many car owners have used water. However, its use had several major drawbacks:

• Low boiling point, causing the engine to overheat on hot summer days.
• Water freezes at 0°C, causing the volume of water to expand, eventually destroying the block.
• Scaling of metal parts.

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It was possible to get rid of such problems when using antifreeze (non-freezing liquid). There are several types:

1. Glycol antifreeze.
2. Propylene glycol based.
3. Tosol.

All of the listed fluids perfectly perform the functions of observing the temperature regime of the engine.

It is worth remembering that these liquids cannot be mixed with each other. Using one of the above coolants, you can forever forget about the problems of boiling and freezing it in the engine.

Why change

Coolant is needed to control engine temperature. When the engine is running, fuel is burned. In this case, a high temperature is detected inside the cylinders. As a result, thermal energy heats up the metal elements of the engine - these are pistons, cylinder heads, cylinders.

Thanks to a thoughtful cooling system, the liquid collects heat and transfers it to the radiator. In addition to the main function of controlling heat and transferring it from the engine to the radiator, the coolant has additional functions. The fluid is also intended to lubricate the motor water pump. The coolant replacement period is approximately 50,000km. Upon reaching this period, antifreeze loses its heat transfer properties.

In addition, contaminants begin to appear in the coolant, which flow throughout the cooling system. If the coolant is not replaced in a timely manner, then dirt will begin to clog the engine's water channels, which will subsequently lead to engine overheating and costly repairs.

What to prepare for replacement

Answering the question of how to change the coolant, you need to prepare:

• Rubber gloves.
• Coolant drain container.
• Set of keys.
• Overpass or lift.
• Clean water.
• New coolant.

How to change the coolant on a VAZ-2107

After the driver has chosen the best, in his opinion, refrigerant, you need to change the fluid. Initially, it is worth driving the car into a pit, lift or overpass, substituting wheel chocks under the wheels and setting the gear lever to the 1st speed position.

Next, you need to disconnect the "minus" terminal from the battery. If an additional crankcase protection is installed on the car, it must be unscrewed, since in some cases it significantly prevents the coolant from draining.

How to change coolant

1. A prepared container for the old coolant is installed under the radiator drain valve. You need to wait until the liquid is completely drained from the radiator.
2. Next you need to move the containerunder the left side of the engine and unscrew the fluid drain bolt from the cylinder block. For best effect, you need to open the cap on the expansion tank.
3. After all the liquid from the engine is drained, you need to screw back all the drain plugs.
4. To properly change the coolant, flushing should be done. It is necessary to pour well-boiled water into the system. In older versions of cars, it should be poured into the radiator and expansion tank. On newer models of cars, a radiator without a cap is installed, so filling is done only through the expansion tank.
5. As soon as the water is filled, you need to start the engine and let it run for 5-10 minutes to flush the cooling system.
6. Drain the water in the same way.
7. Then pour the prepared liquid. In order for there to be no air in the system, it is necessary to press on the pipes that fit the radiator. This method is suitable for those vehicles that have a radiator with a filler neck. You can also call on a hillock, open the radiator cap and give it a good gas. Then you can wrap the lid.
8. There is another way that is suitable for cars with radiators without a cap, you just need an assistant. Having unscrewed the return hose that fits the expansion tank, gradually pour liquid into the tank. As soon as fluid flows through the return hose without interruption, it will be clear that the cooling system is completely filled. Put the hose on the tank and add fluid to the desired level.

Coolant sensor replacement

It is worth remembering that in order to observethe state of antifreeze, it is necessary to check the performance of the coolant temperature sensor. Therefore, you need to know where this device is located. Some cars (for example, VAZ-2114) have two temperature sensors. One displays the temperature on the instrument panel, and the other turns the fan drive on or off.

Before you think about how to change the coolant sensor, you need to perform a test. The element test should be done before replacing the coolant. When the ignition is turned on, the temperature arrow quickly rises - you need to disconnect the connector from the device, and if the arrow starts to drop, then the sensor needs to be replaced. In all vehicles, this coolant temperature control element is installed on the cylinder head.

How to change the coolant temperature sensor on a car? For this you need:

• Drain the coolant from the system.
• Remove the negative terminal from the battery.
• Disconnect connector from sensor.
• Use the key to unscrew the sensor and screw in a new one.
• Next, connect the wires to the sensor.

This completes the sensor replacement procedure.