Best Radiator Cleaner Fluids to Keep Your Engine Running Right

Best Radiator Cleaner Fluids to Keep Your Engine Running Right

Your car contains many different components that all have a particular job to handle. Your engine powers your vehicle, the battery enables it to start, and the steering system allows you to direct the car where you want it to go.

Another essential component is the radiator, a device that prevents the engine from overheating while running. Without a functioning radiator, your engine would reach dangerous temperatures very quickly and could experience irreversible damage, as well.

As a radiator builds up debris, its functionality decreases, causing problems for your vehicle.

You’ll want to keep your radiator clean and functioning at its full capacity to avoid overheating your engine, so here’s a look at the best radiator cleaner fluids on the market today.

Things to Consider When Buying Radiator Cleaner Fluids

Your car’s radiator is a heat exchanger that you fill with coolant or antifreeze to keep your engine at an optimal temperature. The device works by removing heat from the coolant after it passes through the motor.

Without a radiator, your car would only run for a few minutes before getting too hot to continue. As the radiator gets older, it accumulates oil, rust, and other debris from the engine and the fluids that pass through it.

At that time, you’ll need to clean your radiator with one of the fluids on the market today.

Remember that there are subtle differences between the various radiator cleaner fluids available, including their potency and how long they take to work. You’ll want to consider your options before deciding on the one that’s best for your car.

Performance

First and foremost, you’ll want to go with a radiator cleaner fluid that works. After all, if the product doesn’t clean your radiator or leaves a bunch of gunk and debris behind, it’s not worth your time or money.

Carefully looking at which products actually remove whatever debris you have in your radiator is essential because it ensures that your vehicle’s performance improves after the cleaning.

It’s also worth noting that brand-specific products like Genuine Ford Fluid Premium Cooling System Flush might work well in their intended environment but could struggle to generate the same performance in a different make.

Quick Flush or Deep Cleaning

When searching for a radiator cleaning fluid, you’ll see that some products are quick-flush, and others offer deep cleaning. The difference is how long you leave the liquid in your radiator before rinsing it out.

A quick flush product only stays in your radiator for about ten minutes. To use it, you’ll drain the reservoir, add the cleaner, fill the tank with water, and run the vehicle. You’ll then drain the radiator immediately and fill it with antifreeze or coolant before driving.

For a deeper cleaning, you’ll choose a product that you can leave in the tank as you drive. You’ll empty and fill the radiator the same way as with a quick flush, except for the fluid stays in your car for about 150 miles of driving distance. You’ll then flush the system and refill it with coolant or antifreeze and drive as normal.

It’s essential to keep in mind that you must do a deep cleaning when temperatures are above 32 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the entire system from freezing and putting your vehicle out of commission. That’s because you won’t have any antifreeze in the radiator, only water, while the cleaning is taking place.

You should also know that some products, including BlueDevil Radiator Flush, are usable as both a quick flush and a deep cleaning agent.

Amount Needed

Various brands and types of radiator cleaner fluids require differing amounts of product to work. For example, you’ll only have to use half a bottle of PrimoChill Rad Clean to clean your radiator. In contrast, Gunk Motor Medic 10-Minute Radiator Flush requires at least one bottle, and sometimes more.

Of course, just because you need less of a product doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. However, it’s worth looking at the required amount because it could save you some time and money.

Compatible With Aluminum

Most modern radiators have an aluminum and rubber composition, so selecting a cleaner compatible with this material is essential. Suppose you see a radiator cleaner fluid that isn’t compatible with aluminum, such as Permatex Heavy Duty Radiator Cleaner. In that case, you’ll want to be 100% sure that your car’s radiator has a different composition before purchasing.

Keep in mind that vehicles built in the 1960s would often have copper radiators, so the Permatex product is more likely to be compatible with a classic car than a new one.

Ready to Use

Some radiator cleaners are ready to use, while others require some mixing. The type you go with is more a matter of personal preference than anything. However, the non-mixed powders like Irontite ThoroFlush do have a bit of an advantage: they allow you to determine the potency.

If you have an old, neglected radiator, making a more potent mixture could ensure that your cooling system ends up completely clean. In that case, it’ll save you time, too, because you don’t have to reapply the product to remove all the built-up gunk.

Making a Decision

Your decision will ultimately begin by determining what your radiator needs: a quick flush or a deep cleaning. Other factors like price, ease of use, and performance are also important factors to consider and will guide you in the right direction for your car.

Your radiator is an essential component within your car that makes it possible to drive long distances. Engines get hot incredibly quickly, and without a functioning radiator, your vehicle could need constant breaks while it cools.

A radiator eliminates the need for these breaks by cooling your engine as you drive. However, if your radiator isn’t working correctly or is dirty, it can’t do its job to its full capacity.

If you find that your car is overheating with regularity, there’s a good chance you have debris clogging your radiator that you should remove as soon as possible.

ProductAmount neededSafe for aluminum?Quick flushRating
BlueDevil Radiator FlushOne 22-ounce bottle per three gallons of radiator capacityYesYes, but also deep cleaning5
Thermocure Coolant System Rust RemoverOne quart per three gallons of radiator capacityYesNo5
Prestone Radiator Flush and CleanerOne 22-ounce bottle per three gallons of radiator capacityYesYes, but also deep cleaning5
Liqui Moly Radiator CleanerOne 11-ounce bottle treats up to 2.6 gallons of radiator capacityYesYes5
Gunk Motor Medic 10-Minute Radiator FlushOne bottle per treatmentYesYes4.5
Irontite ThoroFlushOne bottle per cleaningYesYes4.5
PrimoChill Rad CleanHalf a bottle per cleaningYesYes4
Zerex Super Radiator CleanerOne quart per two gallons of radiator capacityNoYes4
Permatex Heavy Duty Radiator Cleaner12 ounces per cleaningNoNo4
Genuine Ford Fluid Premium Cooling System FlushOne 22-ounce bottle per cleaningYesYes3.5

Top 10 Best Radiator Cleaner Fluids 2024

1. Best Overall Radiator Cleaner Fluid: BlueDevil Radiator Flush

BlueDevil Radiator Flush

Why we like it: BlueDevil Radiator Flush is a two-in-one, ultra-concentrated formula that provides deep cleaning power but can be used for a quick flush.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Amount needed: One 22-ounce bottle per three gallons of radiator capacity
  • Safe for aluminum? Yes
  • Quick flush: Yes, but also deep cleaning

Much like Prestone Radiator Flush and Cleaner, you can use BlueDevil Radiator Flush as a quick flush or deep cleaner. This versatility makes it an excellent product to keep in your garage for when the time comes. The formula removes all types of debris from your radiator and will improve your vehicle’s performance while extending your engine life after application.

One issue with the product is the cost, as it’s pricey, especially if you require multiple flushes to get your radiator cleaned.

Key Features

BlueDevil Radiator Flush is guaranteed to improve your radiator’s performance and works to extend the life of high-mileage vehicles. The product removes all forms of debris from inside your radiator, no matter what material your unit is made from, and is usable as a deep cleaning product that you leave in your car for a few days to remove built-up gunk.

Verdict

It doesn’t get much better than BlueDevil Radiator Flush because it’s a 2-in-1 product that will remove even the most stuck-on debris. You might find this cleaner fluid a bit expensive, especially if you require multiple doses, but it’s worth the money for most car owners because of how well it helps you maintain your vehicle and improve its performance.

Pros

  • Extra-strength formula
  • Both a deep cleaner and a flush
  • Extends your engine life

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Might require multiple applications

2. Best Premium Radiator Cleaner Fluid: Thermocure Coolant System Rust Remover

Thermocure Coolant System Rust Remover

Why we like it: Thermocure Coolant System Rust Remover removes rust and other radiator debris and features a non-toxic formula.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Amount needed: One quart per three gallons of radiator capacity
  • Safe for aluminum? Yes
  • Quick flush: No

Thermocure Coolant System Rust Remover is a rust remover and system flush for all types of radiators. The product restores radiators to optimal conditions by eliminating deposits from the unit’s interior, ensuring that the engine stays cool and doesn’t overheat. However, you might require multiple radiator flushes before this product provides a full cleaning, and you’ll have to deal with its intense smell as you clean your radiator.

Key Features

Thermocure Coolant System Rust Remover offers deep cleaning of your radiator with a non-toxic and biodegradable formula. The product has a strong smell but is safe for all radiator types and isn’t dangerous to humans. To use the product, you’ll put it into your radiator and then fill it with water. From there, you’ll have to drive around for a few days before draining the radiator. You might have to repeat the process to complete the cleaning.

Verdict

Overall, Thermocure Coolant System Rust Remover is one of the top radiator cleaner fluids on the market because it removes debris that other products might miss. While you might have to repeat the process to get the job done and leave the product in your radiator for a few days, you’ll be glad that you did because this cleaner can extend the life of your vehicle by preventing your engine from overheating.

Pros

  • Removes rust and other deposits
  • Non-toxic and biodegradable
  • Deep cleaning

Cons

  • Might need multiple flushes
  • Smells really bad

3. Best Budget Radiator Cleaner Fluid: Prestone Radiator Flush and Cleaner

Prestone Radiator Flush and Cleaner

Why we like it: Prestone Radiator Flush and Cleaner is a two-in-one formula that can provide a quick flush or deep clean for your car.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Amount needed: One 22-ounce bottle per three gallons of radiator capacity
  • Safe for aluminum? Yes
  • Quick flush: Yes, but also deep cleaning

Prestone Radiator Flush and Cleaner is a two-in-one product that you can use for a quick flush or a thorough cleaning, depending on your radiator’s needs and how much time you have. For a quick flush, you can put the product through and drain it immediately, while for a deep clean, you’ll need to run your engine for a few days with the cleaner in the radiator. The product has two sets of instructions, which can cause confusion if you aren’t paying attention.

Key Features

With its non-toxic formula, Prestone Radiator Flush and Cleaner is a relatively safe product to use at home. It doesn’t contain acid, making it safe on all radiator types, and is strong enough to remove even the most stubborn rust deposits. The fact that you can use the product as a quick flush or thorough cleaner makes it an excellent cleaner to have on hand when you notice your vehicle overheating.

Verdict

There isn’t much wrong with Prestone Radiator Flush and Cleaner. It’s a high-end cleaner that has two uses, and its non-toxic properties mean you don’t have to worry as much about spillage or leaks damaging the environment. You might find that the product does too good of a job on some radiators, as it can cause leaks on extremely rusted radiators. Remember, however, that corroded radiators will eventually leak anyway.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Dual cleaning methods
  • Acid-free

Cons

  • Can cause leaks in rusted radiators
  • Has two sets of instructions

4. Best Quick Flush Radiator Cleaner Fluid: Liqui Moly Radiator Cleaner

Liqui Moly Radiator Cleaner

Why we like it: Liqui Moly Radiator Cleaner is a quick flush product that will clean your radiator in as little as ten minutes.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Amount needed: One 11-ounce bottle treats up to 2.6 gallons of radiator capacity
  • Safe for aluminum? Yes
  • Quick flush: Yes

If you need a quick radiator flush, Liqui Moly Radiator Cleaner is a top option to consider. All you do is drain your radiator, put in a bottle of this product, and fill the radiator with water to start the process. You’ll then run your vehicle for between ten and 30 minutes, drain the radiator again, and refill it with coolant. Keep in mind that the product doesn’t provide a deep clean but works well for its intended purpose.

Key Features

The goal of Liqui Moly Radiator Cleaner is to remove blockages from inside your radiator. When debris causes a backup, it prevents your coolant from moving around, which could cause your engine to overheat. If there’s debris anywhere in your radiator, this product will dislodge it and remove it when you flush it out with water.

Verdict

Suppose you have a significant build-up of rust or gunk inside your radiator. In that case, you’d be better off with a product that provides a deeper clean like Thermocure Coolant System Rust Remover. However, for light debris that’s causing blockages in your car’s cooling system, Liqui Moly Radiator Cleaner is a high-end flush that will ensure that your engine stays cool for months to come.

Pros

  • Works quickly
  • Easy to use
  • Removes radiator debris

Cons

  • Not for stuck-in gunk
  • Doesn't provide a deep cleaning

5. Fastest Acting: Gunk Motor Medic 10-Minute Radiator Flush

Gunk Motor Medic 10-Minute Radiator Flush

Why we like it: Gunk Motor Medic 10-Minute Radiator Flush is a fast-acting radiator cleaner fluid that will remove light rust, grease, and scale.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Amount needed: One bottle per treatment
  • Safe for aluminum? Yes
  • Quick flush: Yes

The best thing about Gunk Motor Medic 10-Minute Radiator Flush is that it works quickly to remove everything from rust and scale to grease and scum from inside your radiator. Using this product involves emptying your radiator and putting an entire bottle in with some water, and then running the vehicle for ten minutes. Unfortunately, if you have stuck-on debris in your radiator that’s been building up over a long period, you’ll require a more potent product.

Key Features

For the most part, Gunk Motor Medic 10-Minute Radiator Flush is good at its job. It extracts light rust and does an excellent job of removing blockages in your radiator. You might need multiple applications, but the product is inexpensive and fast-acting. It won’t put you out too much money if you have to repeat the treatment.

Verdict

Gunk Motor Medic 10-Minute Radiator Flush does precisely what it’s supposed to do, making it an excellent product to keep around your home garage. If your radiator is in rough shape, you’re better off going with a heavy-duty cleaner. For light cleaning and maintenance of your radiator, however, this cleaner fluid is a reliable option.

Pros

  • Quickly cleans gunk from your radiator
  • Inexpensive
  • Contains no acid

Cons

  • Not for baked-on debris
  • Might need multiple treatments

6. Most Concentrated: Irontite ThoroFlush

Irontite ThoroFlush

Why we like it: Irontite ThoroFlush is a fast-acting quick flush radiator cleaner that you can also use in your fuel tank.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Amount needed: One bottle per cleaning
  • Safe for aluminum? Yes
  • Quick flush: Yes

Irontite ThoroFlush comes as a powder that you’ll combine with one gallon of water before adding to your radiator. You can make the mixture more potent, if necessary. Before adding the product, you’ll have to drain about a gallon of coolant and replace it with your mix. Irontite ThoroFlush works with all types of cooling systems and is even usable in fuel tanks and oil coolers, making it a versatile product to have around the house.

However, you might find the powder challenging to mix, and it could leave a residue behind after you rinse your radiator.

Key Features

Since Irontite ThoroFlush comes as a powder, you can mix it as strong or as diluted as necessary. You might consider mixing it with less water to let the active ingredients do their thing for an extremely clogged radiator. It’s important to remember to flush the product after about ten minutes because it can damage your radiator if you leave it longer.

Verdict

The good news is that Irontite ThoroFlush works quickly to remove gunk and oil from inside your radiator. If you have a seriously clogged cooling system, you can mix a more potent batch to get it clean. At the same time, you have to be careful with this product because of its strength, and you might have difficulty mixing it, which makes it more challenging to rinse from your system.

Pros

  • Customizable strength
  • Cleans quickly
  • Dissolves debris

Cons

  • Difficult to mix
  • Hard to rinse
  • Can damage your radiator

7. Best Eco-Friendly: PrimoChill Rad Clean

PrimoChill Rad Clean

Why we like it: PrimoChill Rad Clean is an environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, water-based cleaner that cleans your radiator in about an hour.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Amount needed: Half a bottle per cleaning
  • Safe for aluminum? Yes
  • Quick flush: No

Some products on this list work in about ten minutes, while others take multiple days. PrimoChill Rad Clean is somewhere in between, as you’ll need about an hour to complete your cleaning with this water-based product. The cleaner works incredibly well, removing gunk and other debris from inside your radiator.

However, you should be aware that PrimoChill Rad Clean is only for use with detached radiators. You can’t use it while the radiator is on your vehicle, so it’s only useful when rebuilding a car, rather than a quick radiator repair.

Key Features

PrimoChill Rad Clean is a powder. You’ll have to add half a bottle to about 32 ounces of water to use the product. Of course, you can make the mixture more or less potent, depending on the state of your radiator. You’ll then have to ensure the radiator is completely drained and dried before continuing with your repair.

Verdict

Overall, PrimoChill Rad Clean does a great job cleaning your radiator, especially for an environmentally-friendly product. Unfortunately, you might not have the chance to use it unless you’re rebuilding a vehicle or replacing a radiator because it isn’t safe to use with your system’s hoses.

Pros

  • Non-toxic
  • Customizable strength
  • Deep cleaning action

Cons

  • Have to remove the radiator
  • It takes an hour to clean

8. Best for Rust: Zerex Super Radiator Cleaner

Zerex Super Radiator Cleaner

Why we like it: Zerex Super Radiator Cleaner provides deep cleaning action that removes rust and other stuck-on radiator debris.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Amount needed: One quart per two gallons of radiator capacity
  • Safe for aluminum? Yes
  • Quick flush: No

Zerex Super Radiator Cleaner provides a deep clean on all types of radiators. The product removes rust and other tough deposits from the inside of your radiator and only takes a few hours to complete the process, making it quicker than many other deep-cleaning liquids. However, you might require multiple containers of cleaner fluid, so it gets expensive.

Key Features

If you haven’t cleaned your radiator in quite some time, Zerex Super Radiator Cleaner is an excellent option to consider. The product is formulated for neglected cooling systems and can restore your radiator to much better than its current condition. This cleaner removes deposits that quick flushes often miss, and since it only takes a few hours to complete the process, you won’t have to come back to your cleaning days later, like with other deep cleaners.

Verdict

For a deep cleaning, Zerex Super Radiator Cleaner is worth considering because of the job it does on heavy-duty deposits. You might end up needing multiple bottles, and the instructions don’t tell you precisely how much to use. Still, this cleaning fluid manages to unplug radiators that are in rough shape, saving you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Pros

  • Faster than other deep cleaners
  • Removes heavy deposits
  • For neglected cooling systems

Cons

  • Gets expensive
  • Confusing instructions

9. Best for Bad Clogs: Permatex Heavy Duty Radiator Cleaner

Permatex Heavy Duty Radiator Cleaner

Why we like it: Permatex Heavy Duty Radiator Cleaner works well on heavily clogged radiators and other cooling systems.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Amount needed: 12 ounces per cleaning
  • Safe for aluminum? No
  • Quick flush: No

Permatex Heavy Duty Radiator Cleaner is for use on heavily clogged or rusted radiators. The product contains hydrochloric acid, which provides a thorough cleaning of your radiator and flushes out the gunk for about 30 minutes. Each cleaning only takes a third of the bottle, too. Remember that you don’t want to leave the product in your radiator for much longer than half an hour and that it isn’t safe to use with aluminum radiators.

Key Features

The first thing you’ll notice about Permatex Heavy Duty Radiator Cleaner is how much gunk it removes from old radiators. The product’s acidic nature allows it to provide a deep cleaning that many other products can’t match, and it even works on boat radiators and industrial boilers.

Verdict

For cleaning up an old, dirty radiator, Permatex Heavy Duty Radiator Cleaner is one of the top options on the market. This cleaner works relatively quickly and provides a deep cleaning while using very little product. Unfortunately, you can’t use this cleaner fluid on aluminum radiators. Since most modern vehicles have aluminum radiators, this product is only useful if you have an older car that you’re restoring or trying to keep on the road.

Pros

  • Provides a deep cleaning
  • Improves old radiators
  • Cleaning only requires 12 ounces of product

Cons

  • Not for aluminum radiators
  • Contains acid
  • Harmful if left for too long

10. Best for Ford Vehicles: Genuine Ford Fluid Premium Cooling System Flush

Genuine Ford Fluid Premium Cooling System Flush

Why we like it: Genuine Ford Fluid Premium Cooling System Flush is specially formulated for flushing out the radiator of your Ford vehicle.

Editor’s Rating:

Quick Facts

  • Amount needed: One 22-ounce bottle per cleaning
  • Safe for aluminum? Yes
  • Quick flush: Yes

If you have a Ford vehicle, Genuine Ford Fluid Premium Cooling System Flush can flush your radiator and cooling system in about ten minutes. The product is easy to use, as all you’ll do is empty the 22-ounce bottle into your radiator, run your vehicle for a few minutes, and drain the system. However, you should know that it’s not recommended that you use the product with non-Ford vehicles.

Key Features

Genuine Ford Fluid Premium Cooling System Flush works quickly and will remove all types of gunk and debris from your radiator. It’s a little expensive, especially since you’ll have to use an entire bottle, but it’s easy to utilize because you can add it to your existing coolant without first draining your system.

Verdict

Genuine Ford Fluid Premium Cooling System Flush is a good product that does its job the way it’s supposed to on Ford vehicles. If you have a Ford and are overdue for a radiator flush, this is an option worth considering. However, if you don’t have a Ford or require a deeper cleaning, heavier-duty cleaner fluids are a better bet.

Pros

  • Works in ten minutes
  • Efficiently flushes Ford radiators
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Not for other brands
  • Doesn't deep clean

Guide to Buying the Best Radiator Cleaner Fluids

mechanic flushing a radiator

Before purchasing a radiator cleaner fluid, you should consider a few aspects to ensure you’re making the right decision for your vehicle.

After all, there’s no point in buying one of these products if there’s nothing wrong with your radiator or if you don’t think you can handle the repair on your own.

Luckily, determining your needs is easy. From there, you can quickly invest in one of the top radiator cleaner fluids on the market.

Signs You Need to Clean Your Radiator

Before buying any of these products, you should figure out if your radiator is due for a cleaning.

The most common sign that you’re in need of one of these products is an overheating engine. Your radiator has a thermostat mechanism that regulates the engine’s temperature. When debris jams the radiator up, the thermostat can no longer open, causing the engine to overheat and stop running.

You could also notice that your coolant is discolored when you’re overdue for a cleaning. When you put coolant into your radiator, it’s usually yellow or green, although some brands are pink or red. As your radiator accumulates grime and sludge, the coolant starts turning brown and can even appear black. If your coolant isn’t the right color, give your system a flush to see if it helps.

A final sign that your radiator is clogged is when your vehicle’s interior heater stops working. That’s because hot air from the engine transfers to the radiator via the coolant. That air is then moved into the vehicle’s cabin when the heater is on.

If your radiator is too dirty, the coolant can’t transfer the heat, and the inside of your car will stay cold. The radiator isn’t the only thing that can go wrong with your heating system, but it’s worth checking out if you find yourself in that situation.

How to Flush or Clean a Radiator

Once you know that your radiator requires cleaning, it’s time to begin the process.

To start, you’ll want to remove the radiator cap to reduce some of the pressure. That way, you can quickly and safely drain your coolant.

You’ll have to locate the drain plug, which is usually underneath the radiator, to drain the system. It could be in a difficult-to-reach location, in which case you’ll require a bendable socket. Have a look at your car’s manual to determine the location of the plug.

If you can’t reach the drain plug, you can disconnect the lower radiator hose. Just make sure you reattach it properly before running your vehicle.

As the coolant drains from the radiator, you’ll likely notice that it’s full of debris. Remember that this is only some of the waste you’ll find, as the flush or cleaning will remove even more.

From there, you’ll have to remove the coolant from your engine. There’s usually a drain on the outer motor that looks like a bolt, and once you remove it, the coolant will quickly run out. Keep a drip pan under the car to catch this liquid.

At this point, you can rinse the radiator out with water to ensure all of the coolant is gone before beginning your flush or cleaning.

Once the radiator is empty, you can fill it with your chosen cleaner liquid. Each brand will have instructions on how much to use, and it often depends on your radiator’s capacity. You’ll then top the radiator up with water and start the vehicle.

If you’ve gone with a quick flush product, you’ll leave it in for about ten minutes, although some flushes call for 30 minutes. A deep cleaning fluid will have to stay in the radiator for a few days to do its job. Products like Prestone Radiator Flush and Cleaner do both jobs, so it’s up to you how long you leave it in.

You can then drain the cleaner the same way you did with the coolant.

Pro Tip: Check the clamps and plugs thoroughly while you’re draining these fluids because this is an excellent time to change any worn components.

After Flushing a Radiator

After you flush your radiator, it’s time to refill it with coolant. Make sure all the plugs are in the right spots before you begin to avoid spilling all over your driveway.

The coolant that you select is entirely up to you. There’s a good chance your dealership will have a brand-specific product for your car, although using these products isn’t absolutely necessary. In the end, you can read up on which coolant you feel is the best fit for you and make your purchase.

Most coolants on the market today are pre-mixed, so all you’ll have to do is add it to your radiator. Make a note of the coolant’s color because that allows you to keep an eye on it and diagnose when it’s time for another radiator flush before it’s too late.

Don’t Forget to Drain

When you’re flushing your radiator, it might be tempting to leave the product in a bit longer for a deeper clean.

The longer, the better, right?

However, you mustn’t leave these products in your radiator or engine for any longer than what it says on the package to prevent damage. These cleaning products are powerful and will begin breaking things down if they aren’t removed and disposed of quickly.

You could even end up with a hole in your radiator if you don’t finish the flush as described in the instructions.

Follow the directions and use the product as intended for the best possible results.

How Often to Clean Your Radiator

Generally, you’ll want to clean your radiator every 30,000 miles or so. This distance is roughly what most vehicles travel every two years. Newer cars can often go about 50,000 miles between flushes but make sure you keep an eye on your coolant’s color. That way, you can do a flush as soon as it becomes necessary.

Deeper cleans are only required if you neglect your radiator for years. If you go multiple years without flushing your radiator, you could find yourself looking at some of the deep cleaning products on this list. Older vehicles could also need more frequent deep cleanings to ensure they don’t end up with debris building up and causing the engine to overheat.

Wrapping Things Up

Your radiator is a critical component in your vehicle because it keeps your engine running by preventing it from overheating. As a result, conducting the proper maintenance of your radiator is essential. By investing in a radiator cleaner fluid and running it through your vehicle every couple of years, you can ensure that your cooling system stays in great shape and your engine doesn’t overheat and shut down when you need it the most.

Leave a Reply

Required fields are marked