Despite the fact that the VAZ “sixes” that have become living classics are gradually leaving the stage, nevertheless, the fleet of these cars is still quite impressive.
There are a large number of operations that owners of the sixth model can perform on their own, one of them is replacing the coolant. It is about how to perform this procedure, which is not too complicated, but requiring accuracy and attention - this article.
And for those who believe that any repair work, including the replacement of coolant for VAZ cars, should be carried out only in the service center - a small disclaimer: keep in mind that not every driver who rides a classic has a ton of money for visits to the service station for any reason.
Now a little theory. The vehicle manufacturer recommends replacing the coolant at least once every couple of years, or after reaching a mileage of 60,000 km. Also, do not drive without replacement if the color of the liquid in the expansion tank changes to reddish. This is the first signal that the additives contained in such an antifreeze have already been used up completely and now, in addition to its main task, the coolant also actively destroys all the details of the cooling system.
And a little warning: you should only merge antifreeze with a cold engine. All work is best done with rubber gloves, as the coolant is toxic. Do not start the engine if the cap on the expansion tank is open or there is an insufficient level of antifreeze in the system.
So we got to the very process of replacement. In order to complete the whole procedure yourself, you will need the following set of tools and materials: coolant for cars (antifreeze), adjustable wrench or cap 13, rag, rubber gloves, capacity (bucket of 10 liters) to drain the old coolant.
The car should be located on a flat platform.
If you cannot find such a place, then try to put the front part so that it is higher than the back.
Then remove the dirt shield.
The next step will be to move the heater lever to the far right (you will fully open this faucet).
If you still have not done so, then raise the hood, and then remove the cork from the expansion tank.
Then do the same with the radiator cap.
Now take the prepared coolant tank, substitute it under the radiator drain cock and unscrew the drain plug.
When liquid is drained from the radiator, substitute the container under the drain plug on the cylinder block and drain the remaining liquid into the same container.
When all antifreeze has been removed from the system, screw the plugs into place in the cylinder block and in the radiator.
Prepare a new antifreeze and carefully fill it into the car through the expansion tank.
Make sure that there are no air plugs; to do this, squeeze the discharge, supply and bypass pipes several times. If the fluid level drops after a few taps, add to normal.
Now you can close the plugs of the expansion tank and radiator and start the car.
Warm up the motor and, turning on the fan, make sure that hot air comes out of the ventilation holes. If everything is in order, then you managed to avoid air jams, and the replacement of the coolant was successful.
And in conclusion, a couple of tips for the period of the subsequent operation of your VAZ 2106. After a few days, you should check the level and color of the antifreeze that was poured into the car. If the color has changed to brown, or shortly after the coolant has been replaced, the antifreeze has discolored, so you should immediately replace such a liquid, since they sold you a fake.
The fact is that a high-quality coolant has a very stable coloring composition and from time to time never discolors, but only darkens.