easy job.
on leons, at the bottom nearside of the radiator there is a tap for draining coolant. so no tools needed.
Id expect the
ibiza to be the same.
when you drain it have the heater on so the coolant in the heater matrix gets changed also.
VAG group cars need VAG approved coolant, which is commonly G12. - available from any VAG dealer. Id expect you to need two bottles of this, which you then dilute to 50%. (so for each bottle of G12 you put in you put in another of water). Its a good idea to pre-mix the coolant before adding to the car to ensure you maintain a 50% mix.
most people will say you need 4 litres, including most dealers. i have found that if you drain it properly then you may need a little more. (1.8T).
The system should self blead when you re-fill.
You can get blue or green stuff that meets VAG specs, but i see little point as this stuff is a 2 year change. The pink stuff is a 5 year change. G12 from a dealer is red/pink.
If getting to a dealer is a real
problem, (remember any VAG group will be able to sell you G12, so think skoda, audi, seat, VW) or im sure GSF/ VAG parts places will have it also. Then halfords do sell coolants that meet VAG spec. But you will need to ensure you get the right stuff.
The temperature guage as you say has figures on it. You should find that the coolant temperature sits at 90 when it has warmed up. It should barely move from this point.
A very short
guide would be:
Jack car up and use axle stands to be safe.
Locate drain tap on bottom of radiator. (you will probably need to remove any undertray for access).
Get suitable container to collect old coolant.
Take cap of coolant expansion tank.
Put container under drain tap, turn tap. (of attach a short length of pipe to the tap if access for container is difficult).
You should find the coolant freely drains from the system. You can stop the slow by turning the tap at any time. (if for examples your container is not big enough).
When drained ensure you return drain plug back to 'closed'.
Re-place undertray.
Take car off axle stands and lower.
Get new coolant, check if its pre-mixed or needs mixing to the correct 50/50 split of coolant and water. It is important to get the correct mix.
Poor the new coolant into the expansion tank. Until it stops filling.
Then start engine, you will find the coolant level in the expanion tank falls and you should top up the coolant is it falls.
Put the heater on in the car to ensure a complete circulation of the coolant system.
Leave car running for a few mins and top up the coolant as required.
Job done.
Although i would recommend taking the car for a drive until it is up to operating temperature. Check the coolant level a few times until you are confident all is well
let us know how it goes.
