DIY: Radiator Flushing & Coolant Replacement
Cars function by having various systems working together; the ignition system, fuel system, air conditioning system and brake system. But among them, there is one that is hardly noticeable, simply because it’s either identified by a small gauge or an indicator that lights up in 2 or 3 colors. This particularly low profile mechanism is the cooling or radiator system.
Understated but equally vital
Unlike an engine oil change, there are no common standard service intervals practiced by most manufacturers. But there are a few signs that suggest when you need one.
- Pop the radiator cap and have a look inside. The liquid should not have sediments, appear murky or brownish-rusty colored. Some might even be seen underneath the cap.
- Remove the coolant or spare tank cap and inspect the tube. If there are sediments of rust or cloudy liquid on it, the radiator fluid needs replacement.
In case quite a large amount of deposits are seen, bring the vehicle to a radiator specialist for a full radiator service. However if only the fluid is not as clear as it should be, here’s a basic simple way of doing it from the comfort of your porch.
Tools:
- New radiator coolant
- Screw driver
- Long handled brush, e.g old toothbrush
Steps:
1. With the car cooled down, locate the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator. Most are designed to be easily removed by hand, while others might need a screw driver. A piece of under-tray may have to be removed in order to gain access to it.
The drain plug is usually at the bottom of the radiator
2. If the plug is plastic, it is recommended to hold it by the neck when unscrewing. Reason behind is because that area gets hot often and it could become brittle or break if not too careful.
Hold onto the lower green portion when removing or installing the drain plug
3. Allow the liquid flow out. I personally prefer to plug it again and top up the radiator with clean water, before repeating the draining process until the water flowing out is clear. This would help remove most of the old leftover contents.
Reserve tank’s location varies according to cars
4. If the coolant or spare tank is also dirty, do consider removing it for cleaning. Certain cars’ have theirs located at the top and easily removed by removing a couple of screws. However like my Corolla’s which is located at the bottom below the battery, a *pipe is all that’s needed to drain out the fluid after cleaning the insides with a long-handled brush.
* hold the pipe in the shape of a ‘U’, before filling it with water to the brim on both ends. With one end held closed with a finger, push in the other end into the tank. Fluid will be sucked out when the closed end is placed below the base of the container and released.
Brim both radiator and spare tank
5. Now screw back the drain plug and pour in the coolant. Follow the instructions on the bottle regarding water-coolant ratio until it’s brimmed. Do not forget to fill the reserve tank before closing the cap.
Bubbles will form when air exits the system
6. Start the engine and let it run until the thermostat opens for the new fluid to flow through the block. Bubble will surface before the fluid level would drop after a few minutes when it opens.
Water level will drop once thermostat opens
7. Switch off the engine and top up both until the maximum level, then fit back the under tray if applicable.
My choice of coolant
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