- Safety goggles & gloves
- Drain pan
- Funnel
- Wrench set
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Antifreeze (refer to owner's manual for recommended type)
- Distilled water (if required for mixing with antifreeze)
Procedure:
1. Park your vehicle on a level surface and let it cool down completely.
If the engine is hot, the coolant system is under pressure, and opening the system could result in hot coolant spraying out and causing severe burns.
2. Locate the coolant drain plug.
It is usually a plastic or metal plug located at the bottom of the radiator, often marked with a "DRAIN" label or a coolant symbol.
3. Place the drain pan under the drain plug.
Ensure the pan is large enough to catch all the draining coolant.
4. Use the wrench to loosen and remove the drain plug.
Be cautious as the coolant may be hot. Allow all the coolant to drain out into the pan.
5. Close the drain plug and remove the radiator cap.
This allows air to enter the system and helps in draining all the coolant.
6. Locate the coolant reservoir.
It is usually a transparent plastic tank with a cap.
7. Unscrew the cap and pour the recommended amount of coolant into the reservoir.
Refer to your owner's manual for the specific amount and type of coolant required.
8. Replace the radiator cap and reservoir cap.
Tighten them securely to prevent any leakage.
9. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes.
This helps circulate the coolant throughout the system and remove any air pockets.
10. Check the coolant level in the reservoir and add more coolant if necessary.
Ensure it's between the indicated "Min" and "Max" marks.
11. Test the cooling system by driving the vehicle for a short distance.
Monitor the temperature gauge on your dashboard to ensure it remains within the normal operating range.
Note: Some older Hyundai Elantra models may have a petcock-style drain plug instead of a drain plug at the bottom of the radiator. Simply turn the petcock counterclockwise to drain the coolant.
CAUTION: Never mix different types of antifreeze as it can cause chemical reactions and damage the cooling system. Always use the type of coolant recommended in your owner's manual.
