I got 46000 miles on the p5 so its time to change the coolant.After reading through several threads and searching the internet I should be able to do it. But I want to make sure I am doing it right.

1. Start with COLD car. Remove top cover and bottom plug. Let drain.
2. Pour distilled water through top and let run through the bottom to rinse out build up. Plug bottom and fill up with coolant mix till visable through top opening.
3. Turn car on and let run. pour in additional mix as needed. Thats it right.


I am also going to be using water wetter. So when mixing the coolant do I count that with the coolant? How much mix am I going to need? Reading through 1 article on the web it said something about a coolant flush kit, where you can hook up a hose to your car and flush it that way?

If you can make any comments or answer my questions please speak in small easy words.

 

The "flush kit" is usually a T-adapter that you put in one of the heater core hoses. You hook up a garden hose to the T, and a drain hose to the filler cap on the radiator, and "back-flush" the system. It's supposed to get more of the gunk out that way. It also flushes out the whole system (heater core, engine block, and radiator) and not just the radiator itself.

I've never used water wetter, so I can't help you there.

 

I would get a flush kit. You should be able to get one from any local automotive store.

Never heard of Water wetter?

But as Mark states, do a through flush of the system, not just the radiator.

 

Redline Water Wetter dilution is 1 ounce per quart or 1 bottle per system (12-20 qts). They also state that less anti-freeze will increase cooling efficiency. Water Wetter improves ability to transfer heat. I got some at local motorcycle shop.

 

hm... changing coolant isn't easy huh?
or am I stupid? he he

 

I just did it at 30k miles and I have used Royal Purple Ice (very similliar to Water Wetter ,additive mixed with water and 15% of coolant.
I had it done by my mechanic for $35 he flushed the whole system with couple gallons of that mix and the final few gallons of that mix remained in there, my mechanic had a machine (set-up designed to do just this).
Hey, where outside of tampa are you from? l live in Palm Harbor.

 

here is how i did my flush without a kit. drain the coolant, then turn the waterhose on and stick the hose in the top of the raidatior(i have a sprayer connected to the end so it actually fit in their without having to hold it. turn the car on and let it run until you see all the coolant come out again and it turns to watter. then turn everything off, put the plug back in, fill her up with whatever mix you perfer of fluid, and your done. remember there is alittle water in the engine still so that will slightly dillute your mixture.