Coolant is among the most important fluids in your vehicle, right up there with engine oil. It safeguards your engine and other related components from temperature extremes, be it freezing winter conditions or scorching summer heat. It also protects against rust and corrosion.
All of this is to say that regularly topping off and occasionally replacing coolant is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. Sure, you can let a mechanic handle it for you, but the truth is, anyone can learn how to drain coolant from car and refill it!
Given the coolant replacement cost, we encourage you to try these tips on how to drain engine coolant and then follow our advice on safe disposal. From there, you can use one of the coolant antifreeze formulations we have in store for you at Jennychem to refill the reservoir.
The Role of Engine Coolant
Let’s start with the basics. Why do I need to put antifreeze in my car? And, is antifreeze the same as coolant? Engine coolant is technically just antifreeze diluted with distilled water. It serves an essential function: regulating engine temperature.
Without coolant your engine would be susceptible to temperature extremes, potentially freezing in the winter and overheating in the summer. Either of these scenarios translates to the same outcome: expensive repairs that could have been avoided altogether!
Coolant circulates through the engine and absorbs heat before transferring it to the radiator so it can dissipate into the air. This is what prevents the engine from overheating, even during demanding conditions like long drives, stop-and-go traffic, or towing heavy loads.
Coolant also lowers the freezing point of water, though, protecting the radiator and engine block from cracking due to ice expansion. But what is antifreeze made of exactly? It also has specialised additives that combat rust, corrosion, and scaling within the cooling system.
These inhibitors safeguard components like the water pump, radiator, and hoses, reducing the likelihood of leaks or mechanical failures. All things considered, engine coolant is a multi-purpose fluid that protects the engine’s internal components and optimises efficiency.
Do You Have to Drain Coolant Before Adding More?
Your car uses up coolant with every kilometer you drive it, meaning regular refills are going to be a necessary part of your maintenance schedule.
But, do you have to drain coolant before adding more - or can you simply top it off? It depends. While you can get away with top-offs in some cases, there will come a time when you need to learn how to drain coolant from car, flush the system, and refill from scratch.
Topping Off vs Full Replacement
Maybe you just have a leak that causes coolant levels to drop faster than normal. Or, perhaps you don’t have time to deal with a complete refill right now and you just want to make sure your vehicle isn’t susceptible to overheating, freezing, or corrosion.
If the remaining fluid is still in good condition, then these are scenarios where a simple top-off may be all you need. This is also a good quick fix for coolant losses as a result of evaporation.
Just make sure you’re using the same type of coolant that’s already in your reservoir. Can you mix antifreeze? Definitely not. There are many different types of antifreeze, and they’re not compatible with one another.
On the other hand, draining and refilling the coolant becomes necessary when the fluid has degraded, become contaminated, or reached the end of its lifespan. So, how long does coolant last? It can vary from 2-5 years, or 48,000-100,000 km.
Signs It’s Time for a Complete Drain and Refill
Continuing to drive your car with degraded coolant means it’s not doing its job, and you’re putting your vehicle (and your wallet) at risk. There are some signs your coolant may need replacement that you can watch out for:
- Discoloured Coolant: Brown, cloudy, or rust-coloured coolant is an indicator of contamination or the breakdown of corrosion inhibitors. What colour is antifreeze normally? It tends to be vibrant green, pink, red, or blue.
- Overheating or Poor Performance: Repeated instances of engine overheating or dashboard warning lights may signal the coolant is no longer effective.
- Sediment or Deposits: Visible debris in the coolant reservoir is a clear sign the system needs flushing and fresh fluid to maintain efficiency.
If you notice any of these indicators, or you know that the coolant in your vehicle is approaching the upper end of its lifespan, then it’s time to learn how to drain engine coolant and refill it.
How to Drain Coolant From Car: Step-by-Step Guide
We’ll walk you through how to drain coolant from car below along with tips on navigating the refill process. It all starts with a simple question: which engine coolant for my car should I stock up on, and where can I find it? Your search ends at Jennychem.
Get the Right Replacement Coolant at Jennychem
Different vehicles require specific types of coolant, such as Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), or Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT).
Using the wrong type can leave your vehicle in harm’s way. Consult your vehicle’s manual to select the correct type, or conduct a search online for your make, model, and year. You’ll want to account for climate considerations as well.
But no matter which formulation aligns with your vehicle’s needs, you can rest assured we have the best engine coolant for you here at Jennychem. With more than 35 years of experience serving the UK we’ve earned a reputation for providing exceptional products and better service.
So get in touch with our team for one-on-one assistance picking the perfect antifreeze concentrate. Or, browse your options below:
- Blue Anti-Freeze (BS6580): Traditional IAT formulation ideal for older vehicles, 3-year shelf life. Packed with corrosion inhibitors.
- Red Anti-Freeze (BS6580): Long-life (5-year) OAT coolant with advanced corrosion protection for modern engines.
- Pink Anti-Freeze (BS6580): Combines mineral and organic technology for extended protection in mixed fleets. 5-year lifespan, or every 250,000 km for passenger vehicles (1,000,000 km for trucks and commercial vehicles).
- Universal Anti-Freeze (BS6580): Compatible with most vehicle types and free from harmful additives like nitrates or phosphates.
Rest assured our antifreeze products comply with globally acknowledged standards such as ASTM D3306. This means you don’t need to worry about corrosion of the crucial metals within a coolant system, like aluminium.
You can also find everything else you need to keep your vehicle running its best at Jennychem, too, like Ad Blue for sale, windscreen de icer, car screen wash, and car cleaning products like car snow foam, traffic film remover, or car shampoo.
Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to how you protect your car. Enjoy peace of mind with our tried-and-true formulations at Jennychem. In the meantime, let’s get into how to drain coolant from car.
Preparation
Start by making sure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the engine is completely cool to avoid burns or injury. Along with the antifreeze concentrate itself you’ll also need these supplies:
- Drain pan to catch old coolant.
- Gloves and protective eyewear for safety.
- Funnel and distilled water for dilution if using concentrated coolant.
Take a moment to ensure all hoses, clamps, and the radiator cap are accessible and inspect for any visible damage or leaks. Then, it’s time to get to work.
Locate the Radiator Drain Plug or Lower Hose
Find the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator. If it’s unavailable, locate the lower radiator hose. Place a drain pan beneath it to collect the coolant.
Open and Flush the Cooling System
Actually draining the cooling system is easy. We want to stress again that the vehicle must be cool before attempting this. Here’s how to drain engine coolant and flush the system:
- Remove the radiator cap to release pressure and allow fluid to drain freely.
- Open the drain plug or disconnect the lower radiator hose and let the old coolant drain completely.
- Flush the system with distilled water or a radiator flush solution to remove any residual debris, rust, or contaminants. Continue until the water runs clear.
While the system is empty, examine hoses, clamps, and the radiator for signs of wear, corrosion, or cracks. You can more easily address these problems while the cooling system is empty.
Refill With New Coolant and Bleed the Air from the System
At this point all that’s left to do is refill your vehicle with the proper coolant, which you should already have on hand. But where does engine coolant go in a car, and how much coolant do I need to add? Here are some tips:
- Mix concentrated antifreeze with distilled water, usually in a 50:50 ratio, unless using pre-mixed coolant.
- Slowly pour the new coolant into the radiator or reservoir to prevent air pockets. Fill up to the “Max” line.
- Standard passenger vehicles need between 5 to 12 litres of antifreeze, so make sure you’ve ordered enough.
- Start the engine and let it idle with the radiator cap off, as this allows air bubbles to escape from the coolant. It’s known as “bleeding.”
- If the coolant reservoir levels drop after bleeding the system add more coolant. Then, replace the cap once the system stabilises.
The only thing left to do now is figure out how to dispose of antifreeze. Used coolant is toxic and must be disposed of responsibly, after all. Never pour it down drains or onto the ground.
Instead, pour it into a sealed container and take it to a recycling centre or a facility that handles hazardous waste. It’s worth the hassle to protect our environment and wildlife.
Closing Thoughts on How to Drain Engine Coolant
Now that you know how to drain coolant from car, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get to work. As you can see, this is a fairly simple process, but one for which the stakes are high. You can’t afford to neglect your vehicle’s coolant levels.
Fortunately, you can follow the steps we’ve laid out in this guide to keep your cooling system operating at peak efficiency, in turn avoiding costly repairs and keeping your car roadworthy.
So, head over to Jennychem and discover the perfect antifreeze concentrate for your vehicle today. Simplify vehicle maintenance with our high-performance solutions and drive with confidence knowing your cooling system is dialed in!
Coolant is among the most important fluids in your vehicle, right up there with engine oil. It safeguards your engine and other related components from temperature extremes, be it freezing winter conditions or scorching summer heat. It also protects against rust and corrosion.
All of this is to say that regularly topping off and occasionally replacing coolant is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. Sure, you can let a mechanic handle it for you, but the truth is, anyone can learn how to drain coolant from car and refill it!
Given the coolant replacement cost, we encourage you to try these tips on how to drain engine coolant and then follow our advice on safe disposal. From there, you can use one of the coolant antifreeze formulations we have in store for you at Jennychem to refill the reservoir.
The Role of Engine Coolant
Let’s start with the basics. Why do I need to put antifreeze in my car? And, is antifreeze the same as coolant? Engine coolant is technically just antifreeze diluted with distilled water. It serves an essential function: regulating engine temperature.
Without coolant your engine would be susceptible to temperature extremes, potentially freezing in the winter and overheating in the summer. Either of these scenarios translates to the same outcome: expensive repairs that could have been avoided altogether!
Coolant circulates through the engine and absorbs heat before transferring it to the radiator so it can dissipate into the air. This is what prevents the engine from overheating, even during demanding conditions like long drives, stop-and-go traffic, or towing heavy loads.
Coolant also lowers the freezing point of water, though, protecting the radiator and engine block from cracking due to ice expansion. But what is antifreeze made of exactly? It also has specialised additives that combat rust, corrosion, and scaling within the cooling system.
These inhibitors safeguard components like the water pump, radiator, and hoses, reducing the likelihood of leaks or mechanical failures. All things considered, engine coolant is a multi-purpose fluid that protects the engine’s internal components and optimises efficiency.
Do You Have to Drain Coolant Before Adding More?
Your car uses up coolant with every kilometer you drive it, meaning regular refills are going to be a necessary part of your maintenance schedule.
But, do you have to drain coolant before adding more - or can you simply top it off? It depends. While you can get away with top-offs in some cases, there will come a time when you need to learn how to drain coolant from car, flush the system, and refill from scratch.
Topping Off vs Full Replacement
Maybe you just have a leak that causes coolant levels to drop faster than normal. Or, perhaps you don’t have time to deal with a complete refill right now and you just want to make sure your vehicle isn’t susceptible to overheating, freezing, or corrosion.
If the remaining fluid is still in good condition, then these are scenarios where a simple top-off may be all you need. This is also a good quick fix for coolant losses as a result of evaporation.
Just make sure you’re using the same type of coolant that’s already in your reservoir. Can you mix antifreeze? Definitely not. There are many different types of antifreeze, and they’re not compatible with one another.
On the other hand, draining and refilling the coolant becomes necessary when the fluid has degraded, become contaminated, or reached the end of its lifespan. So, how long does coolant last? It can vary from 2-5 years, or 48,000-100,000 km.
Signs It’s Time for a Complete Drain and Refill
Continuing to drive your car with degraded coolant means it’s not doing its job, and you’re putting your vehicle (and your wallet) at risk. There are some signs your coolant may need replacement that you can watch out for:
- Discoloured Coolant: Brown, cloudy, or rust-coloured coolant is an indicator of contamination or the breakdown of corrosion inhibitors. What colour is antifreeze normally? It tends to be vibrant green, pink, red, or blue.
- Overheating or Poor Performance: Repeated instances of engine overheating or dashboard warning lights may signal the coolant is no longer effective.
- Sediment or Deposits: Visible debris in the coolant reservoir is a clear sign the system needs flushing and fresh fluid to maintain efficiency.
If you notice any of these indicators, or you know that the coolant in your vehicle is approaching the upper end of its lifespan, then it’s time to learn how to drain engine coolant and refill it.
How to Drain Coolant From Car: Step-by-Step Guide
We’ll walk you through how to drain coolant from car below along with tips on navigating the refill process. It all starts with a simple question: which engine coolant for my car should I stock up on, and where can I find it? Your search ends at Jennychem.
Get the Right Replacement Coolant at Jennychem
Different vehicles require specific types of coolant, such as Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), or Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT).
Using the wrong type can leave your vehicle in harm’s way. Consult your vehicle’s manual to select the correct type, or conduct a search online for your make, model, and year. You’ll want to account for climate considerations as well.
But no matter which formulation aligns with your vehicle’s needs, you can rest assured we have the best engine coolant for you here at Jennychem. With more than 35 years of experience serving the UK we’ve earned a reputation for providing exceptional products and better service.
So get in touch with our team for one-on-one assistance picking the perfect antifreeze concentrate. Or, browse your options below:
- Blue Anti-Freeze (BS6580): Traditional IAT formulation ideal for older vehicles, 3-year shelf life. Packed with corrosion inhibitors.
- Red Anti-Freeze (BS6580): Long-life (5-year) OAT coolant with advanced corrosion protection for modern engines.
- Pink Anti-Freeze (BS6580): Combines mineral and organic technology for extended protection in mixed fleets. 5-year lifespan, or every 250,000 km for passenger vehicles (1,000,000 km for trucks and commercial vehicles).
- Universal Anti-Freeze (BS6580): Compatible with most vehicle types and free from harmful additives like nitrates or phosphates.
Rest assured our antifreeze products comply with globally acknowledged standards such as ASTM D3306. This means you don’t need to worry about corrosion of the crucial metals within a coolant system, like aluminium.
You can also find everything else you need to keep your vehicle running its best at Jennychem, too, like Ad Blue for sale, windscreen de icer, car screen wash, and car cleaning products like car snow foam, traffic film remover, or car shampoo.
Don’t settle for anything less than the best when it comes to how you protect your car. Enjoy peace of mind with our tried-and-true formulations at Jennychem. In the meantime, let’s get into how to drain coolant from car.
Preparation
Start by making sure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the engine is completely cool to avoid burns or injury. Along with the antifreeze concentrate itself you’ll also need these supplies:
- Drain pan to catch old coolant.
- Gloves and protective eyewear for safety.
- Funnel and distilled water for dilution if using concentrated coolant.
Take a moment to ensure all hoses, clamps, and the radiator cap are accessible and inspect for any visible damage or leaks. Then, it’s time to get to work.
Locate the Radiator Drain Plug or Lower Hose
Find the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator. If it’s unavailable, locate the lower radiator hose. Place a drain pan beneath it to collect the coolant.
Open and Flush the Cooling System
Actually draining the cooling system is easy. We want to stress again that the vehicle must be cool before attempting this. Here’s how to drain engine coolant and flush the system:
- Remove the radiator cap to release pressure and allow fluid to drain freely.
- Open the drain plug or disconnect the lower radiator hose and let the old coolant drain completely.
- Flush the system with distilled water or a radiator flush solution to remove any residual debris, rust, or contaminants. Continue until the water runs clear.
While the system is empty, examine hoses, clamps, and the radiator for signs of wear, corrosion, or cracks. You can more easily address these problems while the cooling system is empty.
Refill With New Coolant and Bleed the Air from the System
At this point all that’s left to do is refill your vehicle with the proper coolant, which you should already have on hand. But where does engine coolant go in a car, and how much coolant do I need to add? Here are some tips:
- Mix concentrated antifreeze with distilled water, usually in a 50:50 ratio, unless using pre-mixed coolant.
- Slowly pour the new coolant into the radiator or reservoir to prevent air pockets. Fill up to the “Max” line.
- Standard passenger vehicles need between 5 to 12 litres of antifreeze, so make sure you’ve ordered enough.
- Start the engine and let it idle with the radiator cap off, as this allows air bubbles to escape from the coolant. It’s known as “bleeding.”
- If the coolant reservoir levels drop after bleeding the system add more coolant. Then, replace the cap once the system stabilises.
The only thing left to do now is figure out how to dispose of antifreeze. Used coolant is toxic and must be disposed of responsibly, after all. Never pour it down drains or onto the ground.
Instead, pour it into a sealed container and take it to a recycling centre or a facility that handles hazardous waste. It’s worth the hassle to protect our environment and wildlife.
Closing Thoughts on How to Drain Engine Coolant
Now that you know how to drain coolant from car, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get to work. As you can see, this is a fairly simple process, but one for which the stakes are high. You can’t afford to neglect your vehicle’s coolant levels.
Fortunately, you can follow the steps we’ve laid out in this guide to keep your cooling system operating at peak efficiency, in turn avoiding costly repairs and keeping your car roadworthy.
So, head over to Jennychem and discover the perfect antifreeze concentrate for your vehicle today. Simplify vehicle maintenance with our high-performance solutions and drive with confidence knowing your cooling system is dialed in!