Mazda M3: How To Change Antifreeze

Need to know about the Mazda M3 and how to change the antifreeze in this model? There are a number of reasons to change the antifreeze in your Mazda M3. It is recommended that you change the antifreeze in the M3 every sixty-thousand miles. The process is easy and you can change the antifreeze in your Mazda M3 by yourself. It is important to change the antifreeze to protect the cooling system and engine of your car. The Mazda M3 is a sporty car, and you want it to drive up to its full potential.

To change the antifreeze in your Mazda M3, you will need:

• Two gallons of antifreeze
• A bucket for the old antifreeze
• A floor jack
• Jack stands
• Leather work gloves
• A new radiator cap
• A socket set
• A Phillips head screwdriver
• A gallon of distilled water
• A container with a lid, to dispose of old radiator fluid

1. Drive to the auto parts store and pick up new antifreeze and a new radiator cap. It is a good idea to change the radiator cap when you change the radiator fluid. A radiator cap is inexpensive and is a very important part of your radiator.
2. Drive home and park your car in your driveway. Make sure you park your Mazda M3 on level ground. Jack up your car and put the jack stands under the two front tires. Make sure there is enough room under the car to fit a five-gallon bucket.
3. Pull the hood of your Mazda M3 up and secure it with the safety arm. Make sure your car is cool before you drain the radiator. Hot radiator fluid will burn your skin. Put your work gloves on your hands. Disconnect the negative cable of your battery and place it away from the battery.
4. Go under your Mazda M3 and take off the plastic engine guard with your socket set and Phillips screwdriver. Set the engine guard, screws and nuts in a safe place.
5. Your car is cool. Take the radiator cap off the top of the radiator. Take your bucket and place it under the car. Open up the radiator's draining plug and let the old radiator fluid drain into the bucket.
6. Take a hose and spray out your radiator. You can use a gallon of distilled water instead. Dump the gallon of water through the top of the radiator.
7. Replace the radiator plug and pull the bucket of old radiator fluid out from under your car. Pour the old radiator fluid into your disposal container.
8. Fill the radiator of your Mazda M3 with radiator fluid. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery. Start the engine and continue to fill the radiator. The engine of your Mazda M3 will suck in the antifreeze as the engine heats up. Continue to fill the radiator until it is full. This process will take the air bubbles out of your system.
9. Continue to fill the radiator until it is full. Place the new radiator cap on the radiator and turn it clockwise until it locks into place.
10. Make sure the radiator plug is secure and check for leaks. Look at the radiator hoses and make sure they are not leaking or cracked. Replace the engine guard on the bottom of your car.
11. Dispose of old radiator fluid properly. Drive your Mazda M3 normally and check the radiator periodically for the first few days. Refill the radiator as needed.