If your car heats up a lot and often indicates high temperature or coloured liquid leaks from under the bonnet, this might be high time to flush the radiator. The radiator helps monitor and regulate a car’s temperature and prevent overheating. It is the primary component of your vehicle’s engine cooling system besides the fan, thermostat, liquid coolant and hoses for the coolant to flow through the engine and absorb excess heat. Like for any other component, timely maintenance is essential to avoid bigger damage and ensure the radiator’s longevity.
An engine coolant flush is necessary to get rid of debris and mineral build-up. Scheduling timely car maintenance can save you a lot of stress and money and even enhance your machine life! If you’re new and have no idea how to flush coolant in the car, here’s a complete guide for you.
HOW TO FLUSH A CAR RADIATOR – A STEP BY STEP GUIDE
The purpose of coolant flush is to drain out contaminated fluids and flush the radiator with a cleaning product and refill the new coolant. The process flushes out any debris or rust with contaminated fluid, so the radiator works right. Here’s a list of things you need to flush the car radiator on your own.
TOOLS REQUIRED FOR COOLANT FLUSH
- Funnel
- Large drain pan or bucket
- Radiator flush solution
- New coolant
- Clean water
Failing to maintain a robust car cooling system can bring about hefty consequences. Debris impacts the engine’s functioning. Here’s a step-by-step manual on how to flush the coolant system in car that you can easily practice at home:
1. LOCATE THE RADIATOR
The flat and finned component made out of metal next to a fan under the bonnet is the radiator. Now, locate the round cap at the top of a pipe leading to the radiator, labelled as “radiator coolant.” This is where you will be adding cleaning fluids and new coolant. Besides, if you notice that the fan runs continuously this means that you have a bad radiator fan.
2. POSITION THE BUCKET OR DRIP TRAY
Place a dripping pan under the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator. Don’t worry if you don’t have a tray, a bucket to hold at least two gallons of liquid would also do in such cases.
3. LET IT DRAIN
Next, open the valve under the radiator and let the old coolant flush out. Remember not to let the contaminated liquid onto the ground or anywhere out of the container.
4. DISPOSE OF, CAREFULLY
Close the drain valve and safely pour all of the liquid from the bucket into a container with tight lids. Lastly, dispose of the waste as soon as you can and label it as “coolant” meanwhile keeping it away from kids and pets.
5. CLEAN
Now is the time to clean with a radiator flush solution or car cooling system cleaner. Use a funnel to slowly pour the cleaning mixture into the fill hole and let it sit for 5 minutes. Start your car and keep the engine turned on for about 15 minutes to let the mixture flow from the radiator to the motor and back.
6. LET IT DRAIN, AGAIN
Turn off the engine and carefully open the drain cap allowing the solution to drain. Put the cap on and discard the mixture.
7. FLUSH OUT
Fill the radiator with clean, non-mineralized or distilled water and start your car. Let it idle for a few minutes, then turn off and let the water flush out from the drain valve, finally. Replace the cock.
8. ADD NEW COOLANT
Once you’re done with the coolant flush, it’s time to pour the brand new coolant into the radiator. Don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s manual to know the exact filling volume of your car’s cooling system.
IMPORTANT TIPS TO FLUSH A CAR RADIATOR
- Check your car manual before performing the engine coolant flush
- Ensure that the radiator is cool and safe to touch before opening the lid
- After the coolant flush and once you’ve driven a few miles, check the liquid level in the reservoir
- Add water and coolant in equal parts to the reservoir if the level is low after a few days. With a low coolant level, the radiator may become hot. Make sure to follow the tips to keep the radiator cool.
- If the level decreases again in a few more days, consult a specialist
- Avoid using vinegar, bleach or by-products. Acetic chemicals can cause rust in metal components, while bleach will corrode metals and degrade rubber gaskets and seals
- There are different coolant colours, so make sure you pick the right one for the said purpose.
CLEAR SIGNS THAT YOU NEED TO FLUSH CAR RADIATOR
Besides the warning light in your car dashboard showing a low coolant level, there are signs that your radiator needs a flush. Chances are that your vehicle is showing one or more of these symptoms:
- If the car heater fails to work
- When the car’s engine is constantly much hotter than usual
- If there’s a sweet maple syrup-like scent from the burnout of ethylene glycol, a chemical in most coolants
While it isn’t as easy to tell what goes wrong under the hood of your car, regular check-ups and some clear signs can indicate that it’s time for a radiator flush. Also, with regular maintenance the factors causing car radiator leaks can be avoided. Remember, whether you buy a used car in the UAE or a new one, flushing the car radiator is important at the right time, especially when the common signs are visible.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more auto parts repairs and maintenance guides and a lot more.
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