Just like the engine oil, the coolant has to be replaced periodically, as it will catch dirt, rust, rubber buts or other deposits which will damage the water pump at some point.
Correctly replacing the coolant requires some time so you might want to chose a free day and don’t rush it. You’ll need a rubber gloves, a catch pan for the old coolant, fresh coolant (concentrated or already diluted), some plain water and a funnel. Here are the steps:
Let the engine completely cool off if the car has been used
Open up the hood an remove the radiator’s cap
Put the catch pan under the radiator
Open the lower left side drain plug on the radiator and let all the coolant to come out
Pour some clean water in the radiator to clean it a bit and let it go out
Put the drain plug back and fill the radiator with water
Turn the engine on and let it run for about 15 minutes so that the thermostat will open and the water in the radiator starts being circulated
Stop the engine and drain the water
Repeat the process until clean water comes out
Put the plug back and fill the radiator with coolant
Don’t forget to fill the radiator’s overflow container at the indicated level.
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