Have you ever experienced a sudden drop in your vehicle’s performance, or worse, a breakdown on the road? It usually occurs due to a poorly maintained engine and, specifically, when coolant isn’t defueled properly. But what does defueling coolant mean?
Defueling coolant, also known as coolant drain, removes engine coolant from a vehicle’s cooling system. This procedure is typically done to replace old or polluted coolant or to perform maintenance on the cooling system.
Learning how to defuel your engine coolant is a useful skill that can save you time, money, and a headache down the line. So keep reading to learn about defueling coolants in detail.
What Does Defueling Coolant Mean?
Defueling coolant refers to the process of draining engine coolant from a vehicle’s cooling system. This procedure is done to remove old or polluted coolant or to perform cooling system maintenance.
Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is a crucial component of your vehicle’s cooling system. It’s a mixture of water and chemicals that circulates through your engine and helps regulate its temperature.
The heat generated by the engine block is absorbed by the coolant and transferred to the radiator, where it’s cooled down before returning back to the engine.
Signs Your Coolant Needs Defueling
If you notice any of these signs, it means your coolant need to be changed:
- If your engine is overheated or becomes hot easily.
- When coolant levels are low due to any leaks in the coolant system, the engine coolant light comes on, indicating it needs to be refilled.
- Ethylene glycol-based coolant has a sweet smell, and if you notice this smell around your vehicle, it could mean your coolant is leaking.
- If you’re switching to a different type of coolant, you’ll need to defuel your old coolant.
- White smoke emitted from engine exhaust indicates your coolant needs to be drained and changed.
- If the coolant is contaminated with rust, debris, or oil, or it’s old and has lost its effectiveness, it’s necessary to drain it and replace it with fresh coolant.
When is Defueling Coolant Required?
You’ll have to defuel coolant when it’s time to replace the old coolant, perform engine repairs, change the coolant type, and store engine components.
Let’s check them out in detail.
1. Replacing Old Coolant
Over time, coolant becomes adulterated with debris, dirt, and other particles, which leads it to lose its effectiveness in cooling. This results in the engine running hot, which causes damage and reduces its performance.
Defueling coolant is necessary to remove the old or adulterated coolant from the system to ensure the engine operates correctly.
2. While Performing Engine Repairs
Defueling coolant can also be required when performing maintenance on the cooling system, such as replacing a water pump or radiator. Removing the coolant ensures that the repair work can be done effectively without the risk of contaminating surrounding areas.
3. Changing Coolant type
When changing your coolant, such as switching from a glycol-based coolant to a non-glycol-based coolant, you must flush the cooling system to remove any residual glycol-based coolant.
Glycol-based coolants typically contain ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which are toxic and can cause environmental contamination if they leak or are improperly disposed of.
So, switching to a non-glycol-based coolant, such as a water-based coolant or a propylene glycol-based coolant, is a more environmentally friendly option.
4. Storing Engine Components At Freezing Temperature
When transporting or storing an engine or machinery in freezing temperatures, it’s essential to take measures to prevent damage from freezing coolant, as coolants contain water, which can freeze and expand in cold temperatures.
That’s why before storing engine components at a lower temperature, coolant is to be expelled.
How to Defuel Engine Coolant – 5 Easy Steps Guide
The process of defueling coolant is relatively simple. Follow these steps:
1. Allow the Engine to Cool
Before draining the coolant, make sure your engine is cool.
2. Locate the Drain Valve
Your engine’s cooling system will have a drain valve located on the radiator or in the engine block. If you can’t find it, check the instructions or service manual for its location.
3. Opening Drain Valve
Open the valve to allow cold coolant to drain out of your engine’s cooling system. Place a container under it to catch dripping coolant.
4. Flushing
After you’re done draining, flush the cooling system with clean water to remove any remaining coolant and debris.
5. Refill the Cooling System
After flushing, refill the cooling system with the appropriate coolant by following the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions.
You can check out this video to learn more about how to defuel as well as refuel your engine coolant.
Related: What Does Refill Inverter Coolant Mean
How Often Should I Defuel My Coolant?
It’s recommended to defuel coolant every 2-3 years or every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, it’s best to check your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for specific intervals.
Can I Defuel Coolant Myself?
Yes, you can defuel coolant yourself as it’s a relatively simple process, although it should be done by a mechanic if you aren’t experienced.
What type of coolant should I use to refill the system?
You must use the correct coolant type recommended by the manufacturer to ensure proper vehicle operation. Most vehicles use either ethylene glycol-based or propylene glycol-based coolants.
Can I Reuse Old Coolant After Defueling?
Avoid reuse of old coolant after defueling, as they’re often contaminated and may not be as effective in cooling.
Final Words
So, what does defueling coolant mean? It means draining out the coolant from your vehicle’s system to ensure proper functioning and to avoid engine damage.
Coolant defueling is an essential part of vehicle maintenance that should be done regularly to keep the engine running smoothly and prevent costly repairs.
As it’s a simple process, most vehicle owners can do it themselves. But in any doubt, you should always consult a professional or refer to an accurate guide.
Hello, I’m Michael Rosales an expert in cars. As a little boy, I have always loved cars. Over the years I became lucky to have the opportunity to work as a car dealer. It was at this stage I became vast in the knowledge of cars, things you need to know when buying cars and how to minimize cost while still getting your dream car.