How to Flush Radiators

A motor vehicle has a significant part known as the engine block.  The engine block is a solid cast car part that houses the cylinders and their components inside a cooled and lubricated crankcase.  When the car is being operated moving parts create friction and at some point the engine block becomes extremely heated; this is when the radiator system comes into play by drawing out the excess heat.  The radiator is also supported by the fan-belt that brings in cool outside air aiding the cooling process.  Flushing your radiator is a good way of maintaining your motor vehicle as the radiator has to be clean in order to cool, and we know what happens when a car overheats.  Here is a guide to flushing your radiator.

Tools Required

• Phillips screwdriver or wrench
• Funnel
• Container – coolant catcher

Materials Required

• Cloth
• Flush solution
• Coolant

Instructions

1. Drain the current coolant from the vehicle – locate the drain plug and position your container under the drain.  Unscrew the drain plug and let the contents empty in the container.  Replace the drain plug and remove the radiator cap.
2. Add the radiator flush solution – empty the solution into the radiator, and fill the remaining space with water.
3. Replace the radiator cap – ensure the cap is tight.  Start the car and let it run until it reaches its operating temperature.
4. Turn the car heater on and adjust the temperature control to the hottest point.  Let the car continue running for 10 minutes.
5. Turn the car off and let the engine cool until you’re able to safely touch the radiator cap.
6. Drain the flush solution using the method in step 1.
7. Once the drain plug is secure refill the radiator with new coolant – empty half the coolant in radiator, fill the rest of the radiator with water.
8. Empty the remaining half of the coolant in the plastic coolant overflow bottle and fill with water.
9. Check to ensure all caps are secured.

Tips and Warnings

• Let your engine cool completely before you loosen or remove the radiator cap to avoid serious injury.
• Check your radiator coolant level within 24 hours to see if you need to top up space that was occupied by air bubbles.
• Anti-rust coolant is a good choice of coolant.