To bleed a car's coolant system, follow these steps:
- Ensure Safety First : Park the car on a level surface and let the engine cool completely. Wear gloves and safety goggles.
- Locate and Remove Radiator Cap : Find the radiator cap and carefully remove it when the engine is cool to avoid burns.
- Drain Old Coolant : Place a container under the radiator drain plug, open it, and drain the old coolant. Then close the drain plug securely.
- Refill with Fresh Coolant : Use a funnel to slowly pour fresh coolant into the radiator until full.
- Start the Engine : Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the coolant and allow air pockets to rise.
- Open Bleeder Valve (if available) : Slightly open the bleeder valve on the thermostat housing or near the water pump to release trapped air until you see a steady stream of coolant, then close it.
- Check Coolant Levels : After turning off the engine and letting it cool, check coolant levels in the radiator and reservoir, topping up if necessary.
- Replace Radiator Cap : Securely replace the radiator cap.
- Test Drive : Drive the car to ensure the cooling system works properly and the engine does not overheat.
Additional tips include jacking up the front of the car to help air escape and using the heater set to maximum temperature to aid circulation during bleeding. Some cars may have an electric water pump with a self-bleeding mode, so check vehicle-specific instructions.
