What is the method for cleaning a car radiator?
3 Answers
Method for cleaning a car radiator: 1. Ensure the engine is turned off and cooled down, then open the radiator cap; 2. Slowly pour radiator automatic cleaner into the radiator until the coolant reaches the normal level, tighten the radiator cap, and start the engine to bring the water temperature to normal operating temperature; 3. Adjust the engine running time based on the level of dirt in the car radiator; 4. Turn off the engine, drain the coolant containing deposits, and replace it with antifreeze or clean coolant. For car radiator cleaning, using an automatic cleaner once a year is sufficient. To prevent scale buildup, it is also important to choose the right radiator coolant. A good antifreeze not only has a low freezing point but also contains various additives that inhibit foam, prevent rust, resist electrolysis, and prevent scale formation.
Last time I cleaned the car radiator myself. First, I turned off the engine and let it cool for at least two hours—safety comes first. Then I located the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator, slowly loosened it with a wrench, and the old coolant drained out. I poured in half a bottle of radiator cleaner, filled it with clean water, started the engine, and let it run for about ten minutes to circulate the cleaning solution. After turning off the engine, I drained the water and repeated the rinsing process twice until the water ran clear. Finally, I replaced it with new coolant, filling it to the midpoint between the upper and lower limits. Remember to check the hoses for cracks—last time I found a small crack that almost caused trouble. The whole process took over an hour, but it saved me hundreds compared to going to the repair shop.
As a long-distance driver, I recommend a three-step process for radiator cleaning. First, drain the old coolant by loosening the drain plug at the bottom when the engine is cold, being careful to avoid burns. Second, perform a thorough flush using professional cleaning agents mixed with water, which is crucial for dissolving scale and rust. Repeat the flushing process two to three times until the drained water runs clear. Third, refill with new coolant that meets your vehicle's specifications, ensuring it reaches the standard level. It's best to perform this cleaning annually, especially for older vehicles prone to buildup. I also take the opportunity to check if the radiator fins are clogged with willow catkins and clean them with a soft brush to improve cooling efficiency.
