Radiator Flushing: Washing Off Clogs and Residue

While veins and arteries would need medical attention to get the plaque and clots out, a car radiator only needs to get flushed every once in a while. This helps wash down whatever residue could be building up inside. It also gives you a chance to change your coolant and check if you have the right coolant to water ratio.

The first thing you should do when planning on doing a flush is to shut the engine down and give it ample time to cools down completely, as steam from the radiator could scald you. Let the engine cool on its own and don't douse water on it.

The newer auto radiators for sale are equipped with an easily accessed drain plug; so place a bucket under it and open it up to let the old coolant drain out. When finished, put the liquid in a container with a tight lid and label it “antifreeze” before disposing of it properly. Close the valve when the radiator is done draining.

Then remove the radiator cap, and fill the radiator with water, and run the engine for ten minutes before shutting it off to allow it to cool down again. Then drain it once more and put the water in a closed container.

Put in new coolant mixed with water (check your manual for the ratio), and start the car with the heater on High setting, turning it off only when the temperature gauge reads normal. Wipe the radiator with a rag and keep the used rags in a sealed bag.

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