How To Clean A Radiator

It is of the utmost importance for the performance of the engine and to extend its useful life that the radiator works in optimal conditions, for which reason carrying out tasks that allow improving the working conditions of the radiator will be of vital importance for it.

The radiator allows maintaining a stable temperature so that the car engine does not overheat, preventing it from melting, burning the oil and the engine gaskets. You must take care of it as best as possible so that the accumulation of dust and dirt on the surfaces of the radiator does not hasten its deterioration and its performance is more optimal, since the accumulation of dust, acid rain, saltpeter and other elements found in nature.

These elements will deteriorate the radiator until reaching the point where it must be repaired or in some cases replaced. On the other hand, it is of the utmost importance to keep it clean not only on the outside but also on the inside, which is where the water or coolant circulates. Remember, summer brings temperatures above forty degrees and these conditions put the mechanics of your car to the limit, which can result in breakdowns if we do not perform proper radiator maintenance.

In this article we present the instructions for cleaning your car ‘s radiator in a practical and simple way.

Anyone can perform this process at home. In addition, it will help your car face high temperatures in the best possible conditions.

Instructions for cleaning a radiator

How to clean the radiator and how to maintain it is a very simple task. You just have to pay close attention to the instructions that we will give you below:

1. The car must be cold, raise the hood and visualize the location of the hoses that go from the engine to the radiator.
2. Each hose has a clamp at the ends which you must loosen on the radiator side.
3. After the hoses are loose you must release them.
4. You should see if the radiator in one of its pockets has other finer hoses, since some radiators have two more hoses that are connected to the gearbox.
5. If you have two hoses that go to the gearbox, disconnect them and place a container to avoid losing fluid from the gearbox.
6. Locate the bases of the radiator to be able to remove it from the car, they are almost always at the top of the radiator.
7. You must use a wrench to unscrew the screws that hold them.
8. If your car uses an electric fan, you must disconnect the power supply cables.
9. Then, you must remove the screws that are attached to the base of the radiator.
10. If your car does not use an electric fan, then you must remove the air collector.
11. Remember, it is almost always bolted to the base of the radiator.
12. After you have everything loose, very carefully lift the radiator out of the car
13. Take care that it does not hit anything since its honeycomb is very delicate.
14. If your radiator is one of those with hoses that go to the gearbox, you must cover the oil inlet and outlet.
15. This is important so that when washing it, the water does not get into that part.
16. With a soft brush and liquid soap you are going to clean the radiator core.
17. Using cheap water, but with gentle pressure.
18. Also wash the cashiers with water and liquid soap.
19. This is to remove all the dirt from the honeycomb and pockets on the outside of the radiator.

Clean the radiator inside

1. Place it horizontally.
2. Enter one of the tubes, where the thick hoses go, and fill it with water.
3. After it is filled with water, together with another person you will rock the radiator from one side to the other horizontally.
4. This is so that when the can is turned over, the dirt inside the radiator.
5. Then, the radiator is refilled horizontally, but with soapy water.
6. Rock it with two people so that it releases more dirt from the inside.
7. Finally, rinse well and put it back in the car.
8. Check at the end of connecting the hoses that all clamps are tight.
9. Check that everything is in place.
10. Then, add the coolant and check that the automatic box is not lacking in oil .

What do you need to clean a radiator?

To clean the radiator of your car you need:

• Antifreeze.
• Oil for the box.
• A container.
• A hose with water pressure.
• Gloves.
• Soft brush
• Water.
• Soap.
• Protective glasses.
• Containers with lids.
• A cloth to clean your hands.
• Keys.
• Screwdrivers.

Tips for cleaning a radiator

Here are some tips and recommendations on when to wash your radiator:

• The main thing is that you are aware of the temperature of your car’s engine so that it does not overheat.
• If the temperature of your engine rises a lot you have to look at your radiator.
• Most likely you will have to clean it.
• Periodically check the coolant and water level.
• If the coolant level is too low, there are leaks.
• If the coolant level remains, you have to clean your radiator.
• Periodically check the radiator hoses.
• Finally, check that the radiator cap is in good condition.