DIY guide · Moderate
How to change your coolant
Old coolant stops protecting the engine. A drain-and-refill is simple, as long as you use the right coolant, keep it away from pets and get all the air out.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Time in the bay
- 1.5 to 3 hours
- Best bay
- 4-post drive-on lift
- Bay cost, plus tax
- $50 to $75
This is a general guide, not a manual for your car. Your vehicle's service manual comes first, especially for torque values, fluid types and capacities. Support the car on the lift locks or jack stands before you go under it, wear eye protection, and if a step feels wrong, stop and ask us. We do not do welding, grinding or painting in the bays.
Look these up before you book
- Coolant type and capacity
- Where the bleeder is, if the cooling system has one
- Drain valve location
Tools
- Drain pan
- Funnel
- Pliers for hose clamps
- Distilled water
- Coolant tester
- Gloves and eye protection
Parts and fluids
- Coolant of the exact type your car calls for
- Distilled water if you use concentrate
- New radiator cap or thermostat if worn
There is an AutoZone nearby, and during business hours parts usually reach the shop in about 10 to 20 minutes. Forgot a filter or need a different size? Order it, keep working, and do not lose your slot.
The retailer's own vehicle picker confirms what fits your car. Always compare the part number with your old part.
Step by step
- Make sure the engine is coldNever open a hot cooling system.
- Drain the radiatorOpen the drain valve or lower hose and catch the coolant. Some cars also have a block drain.
- Close up and refillPour the correct 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water into the radiator or expansion tank.
- Bleed the airRun the engine with the heater on, caps off or bleeder open as your manual describes, until bubbles stop and the thermostat opens.
- Top up and recheckAdd more as the level drops, then recheck after a drive.
Mistakes to avoid
- Mixing different coolant types
- Leaving air trapped, which causes overheating
- Opening a hot system
- Letting coolant puddle where pets can reach it
Stop and ask for help if
- If you see milky oil, white smoke or the system overheats repeatedly, stop and have it diagnosed.
Doing it in our bays
A drive-on lift or 2-post gives you room to reach the drain and the lower hose. Used coolant goes in the marked container at the shop.
Every bay has air, power, work lights and jack stands, and the lift bays come with a short safety walkthrough. Bring your own hand tools, parts and fluids. New to lifts? Read how your first visit goes.
Questions
How often?
Intervals vary widely, from every 30,000 to 100,000 miles or more. Follow your manual.