Why do it? A radiator keeps your engine cool. If you don’t flush it, rust and dirt can block the system and cause overheating. Flush it every 5 years or 100,000 miles.
Step 1: Locate the Radiator
Open the hood and find the radiator with a cap labeled “coolant.”
Step 2: Drain Old Coolant
Open the drain valve or remove the lower hose and let the old coolant flow into a drain pan.
Step 3: Flush with Distilled Water
Close the valve, fill the radiator with distilled water, run the engine 10–15 minutes, then drain again.
Step 4: Add New Coolant
Pour a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water into the radiator. Fill the overflow tank to the service line.
Step 5: Top Off
Shut off the engine and add a little more coolant until the overflow tank is about 2 inches below the line.
✔ Your cooling system is now clean and ready for another 100,000 miles.
