How to Flush a Car Radiator
HOW TO FLUSH A CAR RADIATOR
Did you know that the coolant in your car radiator doesn’t last forever? Basically your car radiator cooling system needs to be kept clean to be cool.
In fact, unless your car radiator coolant is replenished, it’s natural for it to produce deposits that can clog the cooling system. These deposits will break down and begin to corrode the car radiator from the inside, which will naturally lead to cooling problems and you got it… car radiator repair.
A great, cheap way to prevent this from happening and to reduce the cost of maintenance is by flushing your car radiator out once a year.
PREPARATION IS KEY
A car radiator flush is easy and inexpensive procedure that will help keep your cooling system tiptop – but preparation is crucial.
So before you start, make sure you have everything you need to carry out the task effectively. The last thing you want while draining the car radiator, is to find yourself having to catch a lift downtown to the local automobile store because you forgot something.
HEADS UP… A WARNING!
Just so that you know, car radiator coolant actually tastes rather sweet to pets/animals. But it can, if digested have a fatal reaction. Yes radiator coolant is very dangerous to pets, so for safety please make sure not to leave any coolant around where any pets or animals can drink it.
KIT YOURSELF OUT
To perform a car radiator flush you will need:
Car Radiator Flush solution
Coolant
Funnel
Owner’s manual
Old Rag
Phillips head screwdriver/wrench or whatever your radiator drain requires
Coolant receptacle
NB: Just in case you forget, make sure to let your engine cool down completely, before you loosen or remove the car radiator cap, and yes… I did say completely. Believe you me; hot coolant on your skin is no fun!
DRAIN THE CAR RADIATOR
Okay first up… we need to look at draining the old coolant from the car radiator.
If you’re not too clued up with the process, this may be a good time to get your owner’s manual out. What you’re looking for is to try and locate the car radiator drain plug. It’s generally positioned anywhere along the bottom of the car radiator, and will either be a screw plug, bolt plug or a petcock (drain valve).
Once you have located it, place the coolant receptacle underneath the drain plug before you start to open it up.
With everything in place, unscrew the drain plug slowly and allow the coolant to drain into the receptacle completely.
For those of you that have a screw or bolt type car radiator drain plug, make sure to remove it totally, but if your car radiator has a petcock, open it all the way.
With the coolant fully drained from the car radiator, replace the drain plug and remove the car radiator cap.
ADD THE FLUSH
Open the car radiator flush, and begin to add all the flush solution into the car radiator. Once the flush solution is empty, fill the rest of car radiator to the top with water.
Now replace the car radiator cap and screw it tight.
Start your vehicle up, and leave it to run until it gets to its optimal operating temperature, you know, the position that the temp gauge normally sits at.
Switch your car heater on, and turn the temperature control to maximum heat and allow the car to run for about 10 minutes.
Turn the car off, and simply allow the car engine to cool down.
BIG HEADS UP!
NB: Do not attempt whatsoever; to loosen or remove the car radiator cap while the engine is hot, this may leave you with a serious injury and a trip down to the local A&E.
Naturally, if you find that the car radiator cap or metal radiator too hot to touch, it’s not the right time to unscrew your car radiator cap.
DRAIN THE CAR RADIATOR CONTENTS
Okay… you’re almost there!
Once you’re sure the engine has cooled down, find the plug drain, position an empty receptacle underneath and empty it out.
If your cooling system is quite large, there is a chance you may require a second container to drain the car radiator contents into. Whatever you do, never, ever pour the coolant on the ground!
REFILL THE RADIATOR – JOB DONE!
With the car radiator and cooling system now flushed, all you need to do is refill the car radiator with fresh coolant. Easy.
Okay… so replace the car radiator drain plug or fully close the petcock.
Using a funnel (to reduce the chance of any coolant spills), fill the car radiator with a fresh 50/50 mix of coolant and water. A great way to make sure you get the 50/50 mix balance right is by simply purchasing some pre-mixed coolant.
With the car radiator filled, your next step would be to also fill the plastic coolant reservoir (if your car has separate openings), with the 50/50 coolant mix.
Check all the caps are nice and tight… and you’re done, ready to roll!
NB: I always suggest leaving it a day or so for the coolant to settle down. This will help you to check that the coolant level is correct. Doing so allows enough time for any air bubbles to work their way out of the system, and for you to top up the coolant levels if necessary.
I hope that helps. But if you’re still not too sure, or would like a touch of assistance, feel free to get in touch – we’d be happy to help.
To health and vehicle happiness,
Your fearless car mechanic
Phil.