Vehicles need regular maintenance to keep working. While many of these maintenance tasks are small and simple, they can lead to big, expensive repairs if left undone for too long. Flushing your car radiator is one of these tasks. The radiator
is the heart of your vehicle's cooling system, sending liquid coolant (antifreeze) to various parts of the engine to keep it from overheating. Experts recommend draining and replacing the antifreeze in your radiator every five years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This process, along with running distilled water through the radiator before adding fresh antifreeze, is collectively called "flushing" the radiator. Flushing gets rid of rust and gunk that naturally builds up in your
car's cooling system. Skipping this process could lead to a cooling system blockage and, ultimately, an overheated engine. Follow this step-by-step guide and learn how to perform a radiator flush the right way. Tools RequiredMaterials Required
Project step-by-step (5)Step 1 Locate the Radiator
Step 2 Drain the Radiator
Sign Up For Our NewsletterComplete DIY projects like a pro! Sign up for our newsletter! Do It Right, Do It Yourself! Step 3 Flush the Radiator
Step 4 Add Fresh Coolant
Step 5 Top Off Coolant
Originally Published: July 28, 2020 Similar ProjectsCan I flush my radiator myself?Flush the Radiator
Remove the radiator cap and pour distilled water into the radiator until full. Replace the cap, then start up the vehicle and let it run for 10 to 15 minutes. This will work the distilled water into the engine, flushing out any loose debris or corrosion along with the last of the old antifreeze.
What can I use at home to flush my radiator?Mix baking soda with water. You'll want approximately 5 teaspoons of baking soda per 1 litre of water. Add the solution to your cooling system and run the engine until it's hot. Drain the system before flushing it again with distilled water.
What is the best thing to use to flush a radiator?Distilled Water – Distilled water is good for flushing the radiator and mixing with the coolant you would refill in the radiator. It doesn't have minerals present in tap water, which is not good for your cooling system.
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