Flushing the radiator and replacing the coolant is something that must be accomplished periodically. This is done to prevent your engine from overheating and keep the inner workings of your cooling system free from contaminants. It’s recommended that you change the coolant in your radiator to keep your engine running well. A radiator flush is a quick and inexpensive way.

• Drain pan/bucket
• Screwdriver or wrench
• Radiator flush solution
• Fresh coolant
• Rag

Prep the car

Park your vehicle on a flat surface, and make sure the engine is cool to the touch. Keep pets and children away from the work area, as a coolant is poisonous. Have your pan or bucket ready underneath the drain plug to catch the spills.

Drain the coolant

Remove the radiator cap and drain plug. The radiator cap will be located on top of your radiator, and the drain plug somewhere at the bottom. If you don’t know where the drain plug is, check your owner’s manual, or do a visual inspection. Depending on your vehicle type, the drain plug will either be a screw, bolt, or petcock that you can open by hand. Open the drain, then let the coolant flow until it stops. Put the plug back in to close the drain, then dispose of the waste in an environmentally-friendly way.

Add the radiator flush solution

Pour your radiator flush solution through the open radiator cap, then fill it to the top with water. Replace and tighten the radiator cap, then start the car and let the engine run for up to 10 minutes. Make sure you have the gear on neutral before you do. Afterward, turn the engine off and wait for it to cool. Never open the radiator cap if the engine is still hot to the touch as you could get scalded by the hot water inside the radiator.

Drain the radiator flush solution

Once the engine has cooled, replace your pan or bucket underneath the radiator, then open the drain plug and let the solution flow. Replace and tighten the drain plug once it’s done.

Refill the radiator

Check your owner’s manual to learn the number of liters or quarts that your cooling system holds. Many coolant products today come diluted with distilled water, but if you’re pouring pure coolant, you will have to pour only half of the cooling system’s capacity and then fill the rest with distilled water. You may need to use a funnel to avoid spills.

Run the engine to circulate the fresh coolant

Tighten the radiator cap, then run the engine for up to 10 minutes to disperse the coolant and water evenly throughout the system. Turn off the engine, and you’re done.

Be sure to dispose of the old coolant safely, by bringing it to an auto parts store, gas station, or mechanic. Old coolant is fatal, but its sweet taste can be enticing to pets.

 

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