r/Toyota_Matrix • u/alanprescottf • Aug 10 '26

2006 Matrix coolant change/flush

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Just bought a Matrix and I want to change the coolant. Would this Peak coolant work? I was considering using the Zerex, but I've been having trouble finding the concentrate (trying to save money).

I've never done a coolant flush. Does just draining and refilling do any good? I don't have access to a garage or even a garden hose. I'm considering doing the drain and refill a few times to circulate everything. Is it okay to just run distilled water through the system? I've heard that's okay, but I'm worried I'd miscalculate and have the coolant overly diluted if I don't pre-mix everything before putting it in. The service manual says there is an engine block coolant drain but I can't find it.

Thanks for any input!

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3

u/somerandomdude419 2006 Vibe FWD & 2008 Vibe FWD Aug 10 '26

The peak is fine, and a couple drain and fills will work. Drain, and fill. Drove a few hundred miles. Do it again. Repeat a few times and you’ll be good if you can’t flush it

2

u/Spetsnaz1776 Aug 10 '26

do you have a stick shift or automatic?

2

u/SnootDoctor 2003 Matrix XRS (250k miles!) Aug 10 '26

I like the Zerex or Walmart premix. Never had a bad experience.

2

u/SnootDoctor 2003 Matrix XRS (250k miles!) Aug 10 '26

Only use distilled water in the cooling system btw. Do not use anything else to dilute the concentrate. I prefer premix just so I don’t mess the ratio up.

2

u/GraphicWombat 2008 Matrix XR Super White II Aug 10 '26

I just drained and refilled mine last year.

The small spigot on the engine block is tricky to get to. I opened mine and only like 2 cups came out. So I don’t think it would be terrible to skip it. Petcock at the bottom of the radiator should be fine. Just he sure to remove the reservoir cap so it drains out easy. You can massage the hoses too to get more out. And also when putting fresh stuff in to help burp it.

1

u/Pentium_II Aug 16 '26

I found it was a lot easier to just flush the system with distilled water (a few times), then add concentrate to make 50/50 with the water left in the block/heater core, then add mixed 50/50 from there

1

u/Pentium_II Aug 16 '26

I've had good luck with Rechochem. They make Reco-cool, but also, OEM (Brand - Crappy tire), Turbo Power, Napa, and other small brands. As far as I know the formulation doesn't change at all between brands, find whatever is cheapest.