Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

A properly functioning radiator is essential if you want to prevent your car from overheating. Coolant is heated by the engine and then passes through the radiator, where it is cooled by heat exchange. Over time, sediment will build up in the radiator, making the coolant less effective, reducing engine performance and fuel efficiency. Flushing your radiator regularly, every 2 to 5 years, will keep your car running smoothly.

To step

1. Make sure the engine has cooled down completely. Otherwise you cannot work on it. The engine is coolest when it has not been used for at least 2 hours. This step is very important as coolant in a recently used vehicle can be very hot and cause injury if it comes into contact with your skin.
2. Jack up the front of the car. While this is not absolutely necessary, it will be easier to work under the radiator when the car is on a jack, and it will help to remove air bubbles from the coolant when flushing the radiator.
3. Open the hood and find the radiator. The radiator is usually located at the front of the car, next to the engine. Clean the metal panels (also known as fins) on the front and back of the radiator as they allow for air circulation. Clean them with soapy water and a nylon brush. Brush in the direction of the radiator fins to remove dirt and grime (not in the opposite direction - this can cause damage to the fins).
   • It may not be possible to clean the panels as the A / C condenser is sometimes in front of the radiator blocking the panels.
4. Make sure the current radiator is working properly and in good condition. Watch for large areas of rust, corrosion, and leaking pipes or hoses. For example, if you smell antifreeze while driving, your car may need more maintenance than a simple flush.
   • The radiator cap keeps the radiator under pressure. It consists of a coil spring that is stretched between a wide, flat metal top and a rubber seal. The tension between the seal and the spring ensures that the radiator remains under good pressure. If any part is worn, the radiator cap may need to be replaced.
   • Two hoses come out of the radiator. The coolant enters the radiator via the upper hose, the coolant enters the engine via the lower hose with the coolant pump. Make sure both hoses are in good condition, a dented hose will prevent proper coolant flow.
5. Place a disposal container under the radiator drain valve. Drain valves come in different shapes and sizes, but they are all small stoppers that you can pull out to allow liquid to drain. Place a disposal container under the drain valve to collect all liquid.
   • The drain valve is usually attached to the bottom of one of the radiator tanks, it is the only connection you will find there.
   • You may need to remove a plastic cover before you can access the drain valve. This can be removed with a screwdriver.
6. Pull out the stopper and drain the radiator. Make sure to wear work gloves during this step, as radiator coolant is toxic. When you have drained the liquid, put a lid on the disposal container and set it aside.
   • Take the drained liquid to a nearby garage for recycling.
7. Flush the radiator with water. Draining your radiator will only remove 40-50% of the old coolant, so flush it with water to get the rest out. To do that:
   • Put the stopper back in the radiator
   • Put a garden hose in the filling opening and fill it until you can see the water line.
   • Start the car and let it run for 10 minutes. Let the engine cool before continuing.
   • Remove the stopper and drain the water into a drain container. This water is contaminated by the toxic coolant that was still in the radiator and must therefore also be recycled. Do not let this water run into the ground.
   • Repeat this process 2-3 times.
   • You can also buy radiator flushing fluid to add to the water and get your radiator extra clean. Make sure you have flushed out all flushing fluid before refilling the radiator with coolant.
8. Add new coolant to the filler neck. The ideal coolant consists of 50% distilled water and 50% antifreeze. Combine the two ingredients in a large bucket before pouring them into the radiator. Make sure you buy the appropriate coolant for your car.
   • Check the owner's manual for suggestions on coolant, or let the garage know the make, model and year of manufacture, they can advise. Write down how much coolant you need - this can vary from car to car.
   • Most cars use green coolant, but Toyotas need red coolant. Coolant with an orange color is newer and should have a longer run time, but it is best to use the same type of coolant over and over again.
   • Mixing coolants can cause coolant to solidify, which can lead to expensive repairs.
9. Vent the radiator. Remove the radiator cap to vent any air, then start the car. Let it run for 15 minutes with the heating on, this will allow all air pockets to escape from the radiator. There is then more space for the coolant, so top up the coolant.

Tips

• When performing coolant maintenance, on older cars it is good to also replace the thermostat, radiator cap and hoses.
• Take the old coolant to a local garage or recycling point. It is poisonous and can be fatal to animals.
• Check for leaks after filling the radiator with new coolant. Do this by removing the disposal container from under the car and checking for coolant dripping from the radiator.
• You may need to add certain substances to the cooling system if you have a diesel or aluminum engine. View the service manual.

Warnings

• Radiator fluid has a sweet odor that attracts animals and children, but it is highly toxic. So keep it away from both animals and children.
• Use a disposable container and write down what's inside.

Necessities

• 4 to 8 liters Antifreeze
• 4 to 8 liters of distilled water
• Disposal container or bucket
• Garden hose with nozzle
• Work gloves
• Nylon brush
• Bucket of soapy water
• Safety glasses