What is the usual method for cleaning a car radiator?
3 Answers
Car radiator cleaning method is: 1. Park the vehicle and turn off the engine. After the coolant temperature drops, open the expansion tank and add radiator cleaner; 2. Start the engine and let it idle for 5-10 minutes after the cooling fan operates; 3. Turn off the engine and remove the front bumper; 4. After the coolant has completely cooled, drain the radiator cleaner along with the coolant; 5. Replace with new engine coolant. The car radiator consists of an upper tank, lower tank, cooling tubes, and cooling fins outside the tubes. Hot coolant cools down by transferring heat to the air, while cold air gets heated by absorbing heat from the coolant, making the radiator a heat exchanger.
I always clean my car's radiator by myself with simple and practical steps. First, make sure the car is completely cooled down before starting—wait at least one hour after turning off the engine to prevent steam burns when opening the cap. For external cleaning, I use a soft-bristle brush to gently remove dust, leaves, and insect remains from the radiator fins—be more diligent in summer to prevent buildup that affects heat dissipation. Then, rinse with a garden hose using moderate water pressure, avoiding strong jets to prevent bending the fins. Internal cleaning is done every two years: pour in a dedicated radiator cleaner, fill with water, and let the engine idle for 20 minutes to dissolve deposits before draining thoroughly. Finally, refill with fresh coolant. I choose anti-corrosion coolant to prevent scale formation. Check the coolant level and color monthly—clear and slightly blue is ideal; replace immediately if it appears cloudy. This maintenance ensures efficient cooling, prevents engine overheating, saves money, and extends the car's lifespan.
Cleaning the radiator must be performed using professional methods. For external cleaning: After the vehicle has cooled down, use a soft brush to remove surface stains, then rinse with low-pressure water flow to avoid damaging the heat dissipation structure. Internally, specialized chemical cleaning agents must be used in a circulating flow to remove deposits, followed by thorough drainage and the addition of compatible coolant to prevent scaling. Note that the operation is best performed during a cold start to avoid high-pressure hazards. Replace the coolant regularly with high-quality products to prevent sedimentation. External maintenance can be done quarterly, while internal deep cleaning is recommended every two years. Monitor the temperature gauge for abnormalities to detect potential issues early, and seek professional handling to reduce faults and ensure safe driving.
