DIY Automotive Tips: Flushing Your Car Radiator

Many people become a little skiddish when it comes to doing routine maintenance on their vehicles. They would much rather take it into their local auto shop and have the mechanics charge an arm, leg, and possibly three toes to do easy work. Don't get me wrong, you should take your car into a mechanic for a regular tune-up or if anything seems wrong with your car, don't hesitate to find out what it is. However, you can save yourself some money by doing some maintenance yourself.

I'm the type of person that enjoys working on things with their hands. I want to know what's going on with my car. (Which some people find odd since I am a young woman.) I have shelled out enough money to mechanics over the past few years to learn that some things that need to be done to my car, I can do myself! The amazing thing is though, you can too!

One example of some routine maintenance that you can do yourself is flushing your radiator. The radiator holds a mixture of water and antifreeze that is the engine's coolant system. Without a radiator, your car would overheat. It is located towards the front of your car under the hood. There should be a cap that can be unscrewed.

Just a few hints when it comes to flushing out your radiator. Antifreeze is highly toxic. It has a sweet odor to it and can attract animals as well as small children. Make sure to use a catch pan when draining out the old antifreeze and the rinse water. You can put the old liquids in seal able containers and take them down to an auto repair shop and they will dispose of it for you. Also, if you are not on a septic system, it is fairly safe to dump the old antifreeze down the toilet. Make sure you flush frequently however. Most water treatment plants are able to handle the treatment of such water.

Now before doing anything else to your vehicle, make sure the engine is cool. If the engine is hot, it will build up pressure. If you choose to remove the radiator cap while the pressure is high, you will be showered with a mixture of scalding hot water and antifreeze.