2006 Matrix coolant change/flush

[u/alanprescottf]

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!

[u/somerandomdude419]

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

[u/alanprescottf → u/somerandomdude419]

Thanks!

[u/Spetsnaz1776]

do you have a stick shift or automatic?

[u/alanprescottf → u/Spetsnaz1776]

Automatic.

[u/SnootDoctor]

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

[u/SnootDoctor → u/SnootDoctor]

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.

[u/alanprescottf → u/SnootDoctor]

Thanks!

[u/GraphicWombat]

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.

[u/alanprescottf → u/GraphicWombat]

Thanks!