According to my owners manual, its time to get my coolant changed in my 2007 Toyota Yaris. My local dealer will change it for around $130, before taxes and whatever else they feel like adding on. I've heard that many dealers will just do a drain and fill, which for that price I have considered learning how to change it myself. I do have questions though, and any tips or suggestions are extremely welcome.
First off, I'm not extremely mechanically inclined. Changing my own oil and air filters are as far as I go with my car. After reading a few how to's, it sounds extremely simple, especially if it can save me nearly $100 and lots of time.
From what I understand, this is how to do it:
Step 1 remove radiator cap.
Step 2 remove drain valve on bottom of radiator by twisting it counter clockwise and drain coolant.
Step 3 tighten drain valve by turning clockwise till snug.
Step 4 fill radiator back with a mixture of coolant/water 50/50.
Step 5 run vehicle with radiator cap off till air burps from system and cooling fan cycles.
Step 6 put back on radiator cap.
Step 7 wash hands.
Would you recommend any other steps?
Also, what kinds of coolant would you suggest? I have looked at several types such as Prestone, Genuine Pink or Red Toyota, or even Amsoil. I am not too concerned about price as coolant doesn't need to be changed very often.
Thank you, and sorry if post is rather long, I just want to get as much useful information as possible.
First off, I'm not extremely mechanically inclined. Changing my own oil and air filters are as far as I go with my car. After reading a few how to's, it sounds extremely simple, especially if it can save me nearly $100 and lots of time.
From what I understand, this is how to do it:
Step 1 remove radiator cap.
Step 2 remove drain valve on bottom of radiator by twisting it counter clockwise and drain coolant.
Step 3 tighten drain valve by turning clockwise till snug.
Step 4 fill radiator back with a mixture of coolant/water 50/50.
Step 5 run vehicle with radiator cap off till air burps from system and cooling fan cycles.
Step 6 put back on radiator cap.
Step 7 wash hands.
Would you recommend any other steps?
Also, what kinds of coolant would you suggest? I have looked at several types such as Prestone, Genuine Pink or Red Toyota, or even Amsoil. I am not too concerned about price as coolant doesn't need to be changed very often.
Thank you, and sorry if post is rather long, I just want to get as much useful information as possible.