How to Clean Scale in a Car Radiator?
4 Answers
Cleaning scale in a car radiator involves the following steps: 1. Park the vehicle and turn off the engine. Once the coolant temperature has dropped, open the expansion tank and add radiator cleaner. 2. Start the engine and let it idle for 5 to 10 minutes after the cooling fan activates. 3. Turn off the engine and remove the front bumper. 4. Once the coolant has completely cooled, drain the radiator cleaner along with the coolant. 5. Replace with fresh engine coolant. The radiator is a key component in the car's cooling system, serving two main functions: 1. It absorbs heat from the engine block to prevent overheating. 2. It uses water as a heat transfer medium in the cooling circuit, dissipating heat through large cooling fins via convection to maintain the engine's optimal operating temperature.
DIY cleaning scale deposits from your car's radiator is actually quite simple. I tried it myself recently and saved the cost of a mechanic visit. The scale mainly comes from mineral deposits in tap water that accumulate over time, clogging the cooling fins and causing engine overheating. The steps are: first, make sure the engine is off and fully cooled to avoid burns. Then locate the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator, unscrew it to drain the old coolant - this stuff is toxic, so always wear gloves when handling. Next, pour in a dedicated radiator cleaner (I used an acidic cleaner bought from the market), start the engine and let the cleaner circulate through the system for about ten minutes. After this, begin flushing - I connected a garden hose to slowly rinse the radiator interior, repeating several times until the water runs clear. Finally, refill with fresh antifreeze and you're done - the whole process takes about two hours. I recommend doing this annually; it not only removes scale but also extends engine life. Using soft water instead of hard water for coolant helps prevent scale buildup in daily use.
Cleaning scale deposits from a car radiator is a skilled task, but don't worry, I've seen many car owners handle it themselves. Scale mostly forms from long-term sedimentation of impurities in coolant, and if not addressed promptly, it can reduce cooling efficiency and cause major issues. Professionally formulated cleaning solutions are more reliable for this job. First, ensure the engine is completely cooled for safe operation. Open the drain plug to discharge old fluid—avoid direct hand contact. Then add a cleaning agent (products similar to toilet cleaners work) and run the engine for about half an hour to soften the deposits. Rinsing must be thorough, as residue can clog pipes; I recommend using a high-pressure water gun or multiple water changes for complete cleaning. After completion, refill with new coolant and check the system's seals. Remember to work in a ventilated area and avoid household items like vinegar that may corrode the radiator. Regular maintenance is best—check every three months to avoid costly engine repairs later.
As a new car owner, I find that cleaning the radiator scale is actually not difficult—the key is to keep it simple and easy to handle. Scale buildup can cause the water temperature to rise quickly, so I do it every six months. The steps are: first, use a tool to drain the old liquid from the radiator—safety first. Then pour in some radiator cleaner (any ordinary brand will do), start the car, and let the engine run for a while to soften the deposits. For the rinsing stage, I usually use a hose to flush the inlet several times until the water runs clear. Finally, add new coolant and seal the cap. The whole process takes me about 30 minutes with a friend's help—saving money and giving peace of mind. I also make sure to use purified water when topping up fluids to prevent scale buildup, avoiding future hassles.
