How to Clean a Car Radiator With Vinegar

A car's radiator can become clogged for a variety of reasons, including debris and bugs, which can block the flow of air and cause the car to overheat. In addition, corrosion and limescale inside the radiator can cause similar problems. Vinegar works well in removing these culprits because it is a mild acid that is safe to use on all metals. If you don't want to pay someone to do a radiator flush, try using vinegar to get your car's radiator back in good running condition.

Things You'll Need:

• Large shallow pan
• 1 gallon white distilled vinegar
• Hose
• Water
• Coolant

1. Place a shallow pan under the radiator to catch the coolant you are draining

Place a shallow pan under the radiator to catch the coolant you are draining. Do not allow the coolant to soak into the ground, as there are regulations regarding the proper disposal of coolant and antifreeze.

2. Remove the radiator cap and loosen the radiator drain valve

Remove the radiator cap and loosen the radiator drain valve to allow all of the coolant to drain into the pan.

3. Refill the radiator halfway with water

Refill the radiator halfway with water. Add a gallon of white distilled vinegar. Fill the rest of the way up with water.

4. Replace the radiator cap and start the car

Replace the radiator cap and start the car. Let the car run for several minutes to reach normal temperature.

5. Leave the car to sit overnight

Leave the car to sit overnight. Drain the radiator by removing the radiator drain valve. As its contents are draining, use the hose to flush out the radiator.

6. Fill the radiator with the proper mixture of coolant

Fill the radiator with the proper mixture of coolant and water for your vehicle.

Tips

Call your local waste disposal company to find out how to properly dispose of coolant or antifreeze.

Video showing how to flush a radiator with vinegar:

Comments on this video:

• I am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos. I Flushed My 1988 G20 Camper Van With Vinegar It Cleaned It Out Really Good
• The best method to clean or flush your car radiator is: Drain all old Radiator coolant or water and then close drainage bolt. Mix Harpic 100 ML in 3 litre water/ in the same way if required more. Start your car engine, fill fluid until air-bubbles desappear. Close radiator cap and wait until cooling fan starts. Switch off car engine 3 minutes after stopping of cooling fan. Leave this fluid inside radiator for at least one hour and then drain it. Clean radiator in similar way now only with tap water or distilled water if you can afford it. Add new coolant in radiator after draining that water. Seeing is believing