Auto Car Radiator Anti Freeze Coolant
Your automobile’s radiator coolant helps to prevent overheating of the engine. The fluid contains anti-freeze, distilled water and additives that also protect the radiator from corrosion, lubricate the system and increase the cooling efficiency. Over time, deposits build up in the radiator, clogging the cooling system. Flushing the radiator and coolant system can keep your car running smoothly.
First, you will need to choose the type of anti-freeze for your automobile. You can check the owner’s manual for recommendations.
There are three types of anti-freeze: Ethylene Glycol/Polyethylene Glycol, the oldest anti-freeze product, now available with additives to clean, protect and lubricate the cooling system; Extended-Life Anti-Freeze, a mixture of ethylene glycol and one or more carboxylate additives to prevent corrosion; Non-toxic Radiator Coolant, anti-freeze without the toxic ethylene glycol and polyethylene glycol.
Anti-freeze additives include buffers, such as nitrates, carboxylates and borates, to reduce acidity which causes corrosion of the cooling system, and silicates to protect against corrosion. All anti-freeze is toxic and poisonous to animals. Its sweet smell and taste can attract them. Great care is needed, therefore, to avoid even a small spill that might endanger an animal.
You also need to be aware that different types of engine coolants cannot be mixed without the potential for damage to the engine. If you decide to use a different type of coolant, you must drain and flush the cooling system thoroughly first.
The tools you will need to drain and flush your radiator include: a wrench or Phillips head screwdriver to remove the radiator drain plug, a rag, a funnel, radiator flush solution, coolant, and a container for the used coolant fluid.
Your car engine should be completely cool before you start, to avoid accidental burns from hot coolant. Remember this tip also as you work on the system. When you run the engine during the draining and flushing process, always allow the engine to cool completely before touching the radiator, or the radiator cap.
Check your owner’s manual for the location of the drain plug. Place the empty container beneath the plug before you remove the plug or open the valve, if there is no plug. With the receptacle in place, open the plug and drain the radiator completely. When all of the fluid has drained, replace the plug.
Remove the radiator cap and, using the funnel, pour in the radiator flush solution. Add water until the radiator is filled to the cap. Replace and tighten the cap. Start the car and let it run until it reaches the car’s normal temperature on the dashboard gauge. Turn on the heater to the warmest setting and allow the engine to run for ten minutes. Turn off the engine and wait until it cools. Remember, do not touch the radiator or radiator cap when the engine is hot. The fluid can boil over and burn you.
While you are waiting, check the container holding the used coolant. Is there enough room for the flush that is currently in the system? Being careful not to spill, dispose of the used coolant in a container that can be closed. When the engine has fully cooled, open the drain again and completely empty the system into the container. Dispose of this fluid also in a container with a tight lid.
The system has been drained and flushed and is now ready for new anti-freeze. Replace the plug or close the valve. Using the funnel again, fill the radiator with a mixture of fifty-percent distilled water and fifty-percent coolant. It’s easiest to purchase a solution that is premixed. If your car has a separate coolant reservoir, fill it also with the same product. Replace and tighten all of the caps.
Recheck the radiator in a day or two to see if any air bubbles have worked their way up and you need a little more fluid.
