Parts needed:
- Replacement antifreeze/coolant
- Jack and jack stands
- Drip Pan
- Funnel
- Water hose
Step-by-step guide:
1. Park your Lumina on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Let the engine cool down completely to avoid scalding yourself.
2. Locate the radiator drain plug. It's usually a plastic or metal plug at the bottom of the radiator, on the driver's side.
3. Place your drip pan under the drain plug. Make sure the pan is big enough to catch all the coolant that will drain out.
4. Loosen the drain plug with a wrench. Be careful not to drop the plug into the drip pan.
5. Allow all of the coolant to drain out of the radiator. This may take a few minutes.
6. Once the radiator is drained, close the drain plug. Tighten the plug firmly to prevent any leaks.
7. Fill the radiator with new antifreeze/coolant. Use a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% water.
8. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. This will circulate the new coolant through the system and remove any air pockets.
9. Check the coolant level in the radiator. The level should be between the "Full" and "Add" marks on the reservoir.
10. Top off the coolant if necessary. Add a small amount of antifreeze/coolant until the level reaches the "Full" mark.
Tips:
- Be sure to recycle the old coolant properly. Most auto parts stores will accept used coolant for recycling.
- If you live in an area with extreme cold temperatures, you may want to use a mixture of 70% antifreeze and 30% water to provide extra protection against freezing.
