Can a car radiator be cleaned with water?
2 Answers
Car radiators should not be cleaned with water. The radiator functions by allowing coolant to flow inside the radiator core while air passes outside the core. The hot coolant cools down as it dissipates heat to the air, and the cold air warms up by absorbing the heat from the coolant, making the radiator a heat exchanger. The steps to remove the radiator are as follows: 1. Open the car's hood, remove the intake pipe located above the radiator fan, and then remove the radiator fan; 2. The radiator fan and the air conditioning fan are mounted on the fan frame, with four screws, one at each corner; 3. Use professional tools to unscrew these four screws; 4. Once all screws are removed, detach the radiator fan from the vehicle.
Let me share some practical tips on radiator cleaning. As someone who frequently works in the garage, I can confirm that water washing is completely feasible, but water pressure control is crucial. Never use a high-pressure washer directly, as it can bend and deform the cooling fins, compromising engine cooling efficiency. I recommend using a standard garden hose with medium pressure setting. If your water supply is hard water (the type prone to mineral buildup), post-wash residue may accelerate clogging. Always wait until the engine cools down before cleaning - about one hour after shutdown to prevent burns. For routine debris removal (like leaves or insects), gentle flushing suffices. For heavily soiled radiators, lightly brush off surface dust before rinsing for better results. Overall, plain water cleaning is both convenient and economical, and doing it periodically can extend radiator lifespan.
