Learning how to flush the coolant in your car’s cooling system can save you a trip to the mechanic, and it can go a long way in helping your car run smoothly long term. Here, YouTube car guru ChrisFix is sharing how to quick flush your car’s cooling system.
How do you quick flush your car’s cooling system?
First, you’ll drain the old coolant out of your system and flush the system with water and a flushing chemical cleaner. Then, you’ll add coolant to the vehicle and take it for another spin.
ChrisFix covers exactly how to follow these steps in the video above, and we’ve broken down everything you need to know in a convenient text format below.
How to Quick Flush Your Car’s Cooling System: ChrisFix Explains
First, gather the materials that you need to complete a coolant flush, including distilled water, antifreeze, a funnel, a pan (disposable makes it easier), an anti-rust sealer and protector, a chemical flush solution, and a toolbox.
- Make sure your car’s components are completely cool before you get started so that you can avoid injury.
- Next, go under the car and find the radiator petcock.
- Place a pan underneath the petcock, preparing to catch the coolant that will drain out of your car.
- Use a wrench to unscrew the radiator petcock, allowing the coolant fluid to flow into the pan. Dispose of the coolant properly.
- Replace the petcock so that you can begin to fill the cooling system with distilled water.
- Using a funnel, fill the coolant reservoir with distilled water.
- Once you fill the reservoir container, start the car. Your car will begin to pull the water out of the reservoir, and you’ll be able to add more to fill the container.
- The water pump will pull the water out of the reservoir, and then, you’ll add the chemical flush to the reservoir (with the car still running). Replace the cap.
- Drive for at least 10 minutes to allow the chemical flush to process through your car’s coolant system. Keep the heat turned all the way up, and be sure to keep an eye on the temperature level of your engine.
- Wait for the car to cool; then remove the radiator petcock (just like before), and allow the water and chemical flush to drain out of the radiator.
- Remove the radiator cap; then start up the engine, allowing the radiator to fully drain.
- Now, add a 50/50 antifreeze mix to the cooling system, turning on the engine when the system appears to be full. Be sure that the heat in the car is on as you continue to fill the system with antifreeze.
- Lastly, add anti-rust additive to protect your engine. Top off with any remaining antifreeze. Replace the cap on the radiator.
- Take the car out for another ride to ensure that it’s running properly, maintaining proper temperature and that your heater is blowing hot air.
Looking for More Solid Car Info?
If you’re working hard to take care of your car without having to take it into the shop, it’s important to stay in good company. Check out Vehicle History for tips and tricks from drivers and experts on how to keep your car running like a dream.
