How to Properly Clean Your Vehicle's Radiator

Cleaning your radiator is a simple yet vital part of car maintenance. It ensures your vehicle's cooling system works correctly and prevents engine overheating, which can lead to severe damage and costly repairs.

Why Clean Your Radiator?

Over time, rust, scale, and other debris can build up inside your radiator and cooling system. This buildup restricts coolant flow and reduces the system's ability to dissipate heat. A radiator flush removes these contaminants, helping your engine run cooler and more efficiently.

Steps to Clean Your Radiator

• Preparation: Ensure the engine is completely cool. Never open a hot radiator cap, as the pressurized coolant can cause severe burns.
• Drain the Old Coolant: Place a drain pan under the radiator drain valve and open it to let the old coolant drain out.
• Add Radiator Flush: Close the valve, pour in a quality radiator flush solution, and fill the rest with water.
• Run the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for about 10-15 minutes to circulate the flush through the system.
• Drain and Rinse: Let the engine cool, drain the flush mixture, and run clean water through the system until it drains clear.
• Refill with New Coolant: Finally, close the drain valve and refill the system with the correct 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.

If you're not comfortable performing this maintenance yourself, the expert technicians at Metro Transmission & Auto Repair are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a professional radiator flush.