When it comes to automobiles, there are many things that must be done in order to keep it in the proper working order. Basic maintenance is an essential key in the life of an automobile. One of the many things that should be done at certain times in the life of your automobile is changing the radiator fluid. Here, you will discover how to change the radiator fluid in your automobile. If, after reading the information contained in this article, you still do not have the confidence to change the radiator fluid in your automobile, it is important that you hire a professional. Changing the radiator fluid in your automobile should never be left undone simply because of the fact that you are not confident to do it yourself.
The first step to changing the radiator fluid in your automobile is to ensure that the engine is completely cool. It is best to change the radiator fluid early in the morning, before the weather turns warm and before you drive the vehicle. It is essential that the engine is cool to ensure that you do not suffer from burns as a result of the water in the radiator being hot. Once you have confirmed that the engine is cool, you can then open the lid that sits at the top of the radiator. Once you remove the lid to the radiator, you should ensure that you put it in a place away from the engine that is safe. Many times, automobile owners will place the radiator cap somewhere near the engine and accidentally drop it down inside the area underneath the hood. Finding and retrieving a radiator cap after dropping it in this area can prove to be a challenging task.
The next step that should be taken when changing the radiator fluid in your automobile is that in which you actually place yourself underneath the front of the vehicle by the radiator. At the bottom of the radiator, you will find a plug that is often referred to as the “radiator drain”, or the “petcock of the radiator”. This plug often looks like that of a type of a cork, or it may have the shape of a “T”, or a bolt. Once you are comfortable with the location of the radiator plug, you should find a plastic container that you can use for the radiator fluid to go into. You should then place yourself back underneath the front of the vehicle and remove the radiator plug with a tool of choice that will work. Most people opt to use a wrench for this task. It is very important that you are not directly underneath the plus when you loosen it as it may contain chemicals that can be harmful to you if they get into your eyes, nose, and/or mouth.
Once the radiator fluid has stopped draining from the area of the radiator plug, the next step to changing the radiator fluid in your automobile is to simply replace the plug at the bottom of the radiator. You should ensure that you tighten the radiator plug in such a way that fluid is unable to escape from the location. If the radiator plug is not secured appropriately when you place it back on, it can lead to the new radiator fluid escaping. If the new radiator fluid escapes, it can have many harmful effects on your vehicle. The vehicle could overheat, the radiator may become damaged, and it may even lead to damage to the motor.
Once the radiator cap is securely in place, the next step to changing the radiator fluid in your automobile is to refill the radiator with cool water. Many people will also add antifreeze and other chemicals that are used in a radiator for one reason or another at this time. You should then replace the cap at the top of the radiator. Once the cap is in place, you should then allow the engine to run for approximately ten minutes. This will allow the new radiator fluid to move effectively throughout all the components that are affected by radiator fluid in the automobile.
The general rule of thumb when it comes to changing the radiator fluid in your automobile is that it should be changed according to the type of climate that you reside in. If you live in an environment that is familiar with cold weather, you should change the radiator fluid in your vehicle more often than if you live in an environment that is known to have warmer weather. When you decide to change the radiator fluid in your car, you will need just a few things to do a thorough job. This includes a water source, a bucket that can be used to catch the radiator fluid that drains, a wrench, and that is it. Always remember to ensure your safety when working on your automobile, regardless of the ease of the task at hand.
