How to flush a radiator

The cooling system on your car is vital to the overall health of your engine. A buildup of minerals and metals in the cooling system will eventually reduce the efficacy of the radiator over time and a simple way to combat this is to do a radiator flush.

Before beginning we advise using a chemical radiator flush before beginning that helps break down any buildup and makes the clean up a whole lot easier.

Once the engine is cold, begin by finding the lowest part of the cooling system, this will usually be a drain cock or perhaps the lower radiator hose. Remove this and let the old coolant drain from the system.

Note: The coolant is poisonous to people and animals and must be disposed of properly!

Once the system is drained place a garden hose into the filler mouth of the radiator and begin flushing the system, you may need to do this a few times.

Replace the drain cock or lower radiator hose and refill the system with a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. If you aren’t sure check your owner’s manual for the appropriate mix.

Start the engine and allow the system to purge any air that might be trapped inside, replace all the cap and you’re ready to go.

A radiator flush is only required once a year or at service intervals.