How to Change Coolant in Car: Simple DIY Guide

Hey there, drivers in Edmonton and Sherwood Park! Your car is key for getting around. Taking good care like Changing the coolant in car is smart. Car insurance from Reliant Insurance Brokers helps when bad things happen you don’t plan for. But doing simple jobs helps stop problems before they start!

Changing the coolant in your car might sound hard. But it’s a job you can do! It saves you money. It helps stop your engine from getting hurt. At Reliant Insurance Brokers, we don’t just help you find the right auto insurance; we care about your overall driving experience and the health of your vehicle. Let’s explore how you can confidently change the coolant in car.

 

Why Your Coolant Needs Care in Edmonton & Sherwood Park

Your car’s coolant is mixed with antifreeze and water. It does two big jobs. It stops your engine from getting too hot in the summer heat. And it stops engine parts from freezing solid when it’s cold like it gets here in Edmonton and Sherwood Park.

Over time, the coolant gets old. Keeping your engine in tip-top shape is crucial, and that means paying attention to your coolant! If it’s old or dirty, you risk overheating or even freezing your engine, which can cause some serious damage. Trust me, fixing a broken engine can put a serious dent in your wallet. So, make sure to keep that coolant fresh to keep your engine running smoothly!

Keeping your coolant in your car fresh protects your engine. It helps stop big, expensive problems. Good maintenance helps you avoid costly fixes. Vehicle insurance helps with crashes and other accidents. Taking care of your engine stops problems that maintenance can prevent.

 

Insight: Neglecting routine car maintenance can lead to significantly more expensive repairs down the road. Canadian sources highlight that while routine service costs are manageable, issues stemming from skipped maintenance, such as damage from worn-out parts or contaminated fluids (like old coolant), can result in bills running into hundreds or even thousands of dollars, far exceeding the cost of preventative care.

Source: Micromain

 

When Should You Change Your Coolant in Car?

Check your car’s owner’s book! It tells you when to change your coolant in car. It might be every few years or after so many kilometers. Follow what the book says first.

Also, look for signs the coolant in car needs changing sooner:

• It looks dirty, rusty, or has bits in it.
• The colour looks wrong.
• Your engine is running hotter than usual.
• You smell something sweet around your car (a possible leak).

Change the coolant in your car if you see these signs. It helps stop a small issue becoming a huge one.

What You Need to Change Your Coolant

Get your stuff ready first. You will need:

• New Coolant (Get the right kind for your car!)
• Distilled Water (Not water from the tap!)
• Drain Pan (Big enough for the old liquid)
• Wrench or Pliers
• Funnel
• Safety Glasses (Wear these!)
• Gloves
• Rags
• Empty can or bottle for old coolant

Steps to Change Coolant in Car

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Let the Engine Get Cold: This is the most important step! Hot coolant is dangerous. Wait many hours after driving.
2. Find the Drain: Look under your radiator. There’s often a plug. Put the pan under it.
3. Drain the Old Coolant: Open the plug slowly (or take off a hose). Let all the old coolant in your car drain into the pan.
4. Clean the System (Optional): Close the drain. Fill the radiator with distilled water (and cleaner). Run the engine until warm, with the heater on. Let it cool down all the way. Drain the water. Do again if needed.
5. Put in New Coolant: Close the drain tightly. Use the funnel. Pour in the new coolant mix. Fill the radiator and the overflow tank to the ‘FULL’ line.
6. Get Air Out: Air pockets make engines overheat. Leave the radiator cap off. Start the engine. Let it warm up with the heater on high. Add more coolant as the level drops and bubbles come out. Squeeze the top hose to help.
7. Drive and Check: Put the cap on tight. Drive a little bit. Watch the temperature. After the engine is cold again, check the overflow tank level. Add more if low. Check for leaks.

 

Important Tips and Stay Safe!

• Safety: Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Coolant is bad for you.
• Never Open Hot: Don’t open the cap if the engine is warm or hot.
• Get Rid of Old Coolant Right: Old coolant in your car is harmful. Don’t pour it out. Take it to a special place that takes bad waste. Check with Edmonton or Sherwood Park city sites to find out where.
• Right Kind: Use the exact coolant your car needs. The wrong kind can cause damage.

 

Take Care of Your Car: It Helps with Insurance Too!

Changing your coolant in car shows you care. It helps keep your car running well. It makes big problems less likely.

• Helps your engine last longer.
• Stops breakdowns from heat or cold.
• Helps your car keep its value.
• Gives you more peace of mind driving here.

 

Good to Know: Car experts say not changing fluids like coolant is a main reason cars break down. Fixing these problems can cost a lot. Maintenance saves you money. It also shows why having good car insurance for other problems you can’t stop (like crashes) is super important.

 

Questions About Your Coolant and Car

Q1: Does changing the coolant affect my car insurance price?
A: No, changing your coolant in car doesn’t usually change your auto insurance price right away. But caring for your car stops breakdowns from neglect. Insurance helps with things like crashes. Maintenance helps stop problems before they need fixing.

Q2: How often should I check the coolant level?
A: Look at the overflow tank once a month. Check before long drives. Do it when the engine is cold and the car is flat.

Q3: What happens if I don’t change the coolant in my car?
A: Your engine can overheat or freeze. Parts can rust. This can damage your engine very badly. Fixing it costs a lot.

Q4: Should I flush or just add new coolant?
A: Flushing cleans the system better. It gets more old liquid and dirt out. Flushing helps the new coolant in car work best.

Q5: Where do I get rid of old coolant in Edmonton or Sherwood Park?
A: Old coolant in your car is bad waste. Do not pour it out. Find places that take harmful waste. Check city websites for Edmonton or Sherwood Park.

 

Conclusion

Changing the coolant in car is an important job. It keeps your engine safe from bad weather. It helps your car last longer. It makes you trust your car more when driving in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and anywhere else.

You take care of your car with maintenance. Reliant Insurance Brokers helps you with other risks. Things like crashes or theft. We help drivers here in Edmonton and Sherwood Park find the right car insurance rates. We help you protect your car and feel safe.

Care for your car. Drive smart. Let Reliant Insurance help you with the right coverage.

 

Ready to get comprehensive insurance for your well-maintained vehicle?

Get a Free Car Insurance Quote Today

Speak with a Local Reliant Insurance Broker

Want to protect your car from hail damage too? Check out our guide: Automobile Hail Damage: What to Do & How to Get Covered!