Close ILTakeCare Suggestion
IL TakeCare app – For all your insurance & wellness needs

Policy purchase, claims, renewal & more

 

How to Clean Your Car Radiator

Regular radiator cleaning prevents overheating and maintains engine health. This article provides step-by-step instructions for flushing and refilling car radiators.

  • 15 May 2025
  • 3 min read
  • 6 views

The evolution of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles has transformed personal mobility for users across the world. They require routine servicing and maintenance, including for the much-ignored component, the radiators. Radiators are an important part of the engine’s cooling system, circulating the coolant through its tube system. To prevent an overheating car, routine flushing of the car radiator is necessary and you can even do it yourself. Learn how to clean the radiator of a car in this guide.

Steps on how to clean car radiator

Flushing or cleaning a car radiator is a routine process, necessary for every car owner. Let’s look into the steps of how to wash car radiator:

  1. Park at a safe place to allow the engine to cool down. Ensure the coolant temperature is sufficiently safe.
  2. Drain the old coolant into a drain pan. You can find the radiator drain petcock at the bottom of the radiator. Avoid any contact with clothes and skin.
  3. First, add the distilled water. Then, add in the radiator flush/cleaner. Consult the owner's manual for the correct type of cleaner.
  4. After closing the reservoir cap, run the engine for some time. Stop the vehicle and drain the water and cleaner mixture after the engine has cooled down.
  5. Finally, add the fresh coolant and antifreeze mixture to the radiator. Allow it to run through the system by turning on the engine.

FAQs

How to recognise the right time for a radiator flush?

Leaking coolant, contaminated coolant, an unusual sweet odour from the engine and a knocking sound.

What are some tools and materials needed to flush a radiator?

The flushing process requires some tools and materials, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, funnel, drain pan, radiator flush/cleaner, distilled water, coolant and antifreeze.

How to clean a blocked car radiator?

Open the radiator cap and use a funnel to pour a radiator flush/cleaner into the radiator according to the product instructions. Then, add distilled water according to the instructions. Replace the radiator cap. Start the engine and turn the heater on high.

Conclusion

Worried about your car’s safety and performance? Invest in regular servicing (including that of the radiator) and go for car insurance online. Get comprehensive car insurance for overall coverage of third-party damage, thefts, fire and other unfortunate events.






Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.

Also read:

  • Looking for tailored advice?

    Schedule a call with our insurance advisors

  • OR
  • Call us:

    1800 2666
Please enter valid name
Please enter a valid mobile number
Please select the Category

Subscribe to our newsletter

Understand insurance better by reading our helpful guides, articles, blogs and other information.

Please enter valid name
Please enter valid Email

Error message here