After the vehicle is 4-6 years old or after being used to drive as far as 64,000-97,000 km, it is better to replace the coolant in the radiator so that the engine continues to work optimally. To replace the coolant, the old liquid needs to be drained and the cooling system must be rinsed before adding the new antifreeze. You can clean and rinse the radiator yourself in just an hour using the right tools!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Draining Old Coolant
Step 1. Start working when the machine is cool to the touch
Wait at least 30 minutes after driving to start rinsing the radiator. Hold your palm over the machine to assess the temperature. The liquid inside the vehicle will be very hot if you try to drain it after driving.
Step 2. Put on rubber gloves and safety glasses
Rubber gloves will help keep your hands clean while working with liquids and dirty parts of the vehicle. Wear safety glasses when working under a vehicle to protect your eyes from the liquid present.
Liquid antifreeze is toxic and may cause irritation or serious damage if swallowed or in contact with skin and eyes
Step 3. Jack up the front of the vehicle so you can place the drainage tray under it
Use a jack to lift the metal frame under the vehicle. Use the lever to lift the car off the ground. Install the handbrake so the car does not run while it is being worked on. Tuck a tray or large bucket that can hold at least 8 liters of liquid under the radiator.
- Use a jack stand to increase vehicle safety.
- Do not allow old antifreeze to enter your house's drains or onto the street as it can damage the environment.
- Use a bucket with a spout to make it easier to pour used antifreeze into another container.
Step 4. Lift the hood of the vehicle and locate the radiator
The vehicle radiator is a long, narrow tank that is usually located at the front of the vehicle next to the engine. Check the ducts for cracks or rust. If you find one, take the vehicle to a repair shop or look for replacement parts at a dealer or repair shop.
If the radiator is very dirty, use a nylon brush and soapy water to clean the outer surface
Step 5. Twist the pressure cap on the top of the radiator
This cover is disc-shaped where you will put the new antifreeze liquid when the old liquid is completely drained. Gently turn the cover counterclockwise to loosen and remove it.
Store the cover in a safe and easily accessible place so that it does not fall between the vehicle components
Step 6. Remove the drainage valve, aka petcock, on the underside of the radiator
Reach under the bumper on the driver's side and check the valve or plug in the corner of the radiator. This valve is a small opening at the bottom of a metal tank. You will need a screwdriver or socket wrench to fully remove the valve. Gently open the valve on the tray or bucket.
Step 7. Allow the liquid to drain completely before resealing the plug
There should be 8 liters of antifreeze in the radiator. Let this used liquid fill the bucket under the valve. If the liquid stops flowing, seal the radiator valve again.
Pour used antifreeze into an old plastic jerry can and label it clearly. Check municipal waste disposal regulations for proper disposal of antifreeze
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Inside of the Radiator
Step 1. Pour the radiator cleaner and distilled water into the radiator
Put the liquid into the radiator reservoir where you removed the pressure cover. Use a funnel to make sure all the water and cleaner get inside. Pour a full bottle of cleaner into the radiator first, followed by 4 liters of distilled water. Replace the pressure cap after the radiator has finished filling.
- Radiator cleaning fluid can be purchased at the repair shop.
- Distilled water does not contain added minerals and will increase the life of the radiator.
- Make sure the mouthpiece is only used for your vehicle. Do not use this funnel for kitchen purposes.
- Read the vehicle's user manual to see if any specific cleaning products are recommended, or how much to use.
Step 2. Start the engine on full heat for 5 minutes
Turn the vehicle key to start the engine. The water and the radiator cleaning product will start working throughout the car's cooling system to get rid of any remaining used antifreeze.
Make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area. If you work in a garage, make sure the door is open so the steam can escape
Step 3. Turn off the engine and cool for 15 minutes
Make sure that the machine is cool to the touch before proceeding. Cleaning products and water will be hot as they run through the engine system and hurt you to the touch.
Step 4. Open the pressure cover and petcock to drain the radiator
Make sure the drainage tray is under the petcock to accommodate the cleaner and distilled water. This water can be brown or rusty once it runs through the entire cooling system of the vehicle.
Step 5. Rinse the radiator with tap water until the drainage becomes clear
Repeat filling the radiator with 4 liters of tap water, start the car until it's hot, and drain when it's cold. If the rinse water appears clear, rinse the system again with distilled water.
Tap water has minerals that can cause the interior of the cooling system to rust more quickly than usual
Part 3 of 3: Recharging the Radiator
Step 1. Mix 2 liters of antifreeze with 2 liters of distilled water
Use an empty jerry can of previously used distilled water as a mixing container. Pour the antifreeze from the side of the spout so it doesn't spill until the jerry can is half full. Fill the rest with distilled water.
You can also buy a 50/50 antifreeze mixture from a repair shop if you don't want to mix it yourself
Step 2. Pour the antifreeze mixture into the radiator
Where you remove the pressure cover. Check your vehicle's manual to determine how much antifreeze you need to add. Use a funnel to allow all of the solution to enter the radiator. Pour slowly so it doesn't spill. Make sure you fill the radiator to the full line.
Step 3. Start the vehicle to draw the antifreeze back into the cooling system
The antifreeze will not completely drain from the funnel so start the vehicle until it is hot on full throttle to draw out the remaining liquid, when the funnel is empty, lift and replace the pressure cover.
Let the vehicle run for 15 minutes so that new antifreeze can be drawn through the entire system
Step 4. Finish the radiator to full
Turn off the engine and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before opening the pressure cover again. Check to see if the antifreeze liquid is flush with the full line in the radiator. If not, pour in additional mixture.
Any residual solution can be poured into the jerry can or stored until it is time to rinse the cooling system again
Warning
- Antifreeze liquid is toxic and should not come into contact with the skin or eyes, and should not be swallowed. Immediately contact the environmental service in the event of an accident.
- Do not throw antifreeze into your house's drainage or onto the street. Store used liquids in plastic containers and clearly label them.
