Radiator Maintenance

A radiator is the cooling system of your vehicle. It supports the flow of coolant, which absorbs high temperature in your vehicle's engine.

Recommended wash : once every two years.

Why? In order to prevent rust and unwanted minerals, thus ensuring the proper flow of coolant and that your cooling system functions well.

	1.	Be Prepared
		- Make sure all needed tools like the screwdriver and wrench are beside you. This is so that you don't need to scout around for it when you are halfway through the job. - Use the right radiator coolant (as recommended by your workshop). The coolant is hazardous to children and animals, so make sure they stay away from it. - Make sure you follow the pre-cautionary rules on disposing unwanted coolant and how to clean up, if the coolant accidentally spills.
	2.	Firstly, make sure that the engine is cool. A hot engine indicates that the radiator is in high pressure. The pressure will cause the coolant to shoot out, if you unscrew the cover of the radiator.
	3.	Insects, dried leaves and dust caught in between the fan of your radiator, can sometimes cause overheating of your vehicle. Hence, cleaning the fan is necessary to ascertain the proper suction of air.
	3a.	Using a spray hose and a pail of soapy water, clean the dirt off the fan by brushing one way so that the wings do not get broken by accident. Washing the fan every 20,000 km is recommended. Be cautious not to wash the radiator when the engine is still hot. Pouring cold water directly onto the engine will wreck your engine.

Checking your radiator cap
The radiator cap plays an important role in locking in the pressure inside the radiator in order to keep a successive flow of the coolant.
		If you have washed your radiator cap for more than 2 years consecutively, it is very likely that the rubber beneath the cap would have been worn or lost its elasticity. To avoid unexpected trouble, it is best to replace it.
		Bring the same cap to the spare parts show if you are uncertain about which cap is suitable.

Checking the radiator hose
There are 2 hoses to check.
	1.	The top hose leads the hot coolant away from the engine.
	2.	The hose located at the bottom of the engine leads the coolant back into the engine. - Do not remove the hoses before checking them. Remove the radiator water before replacing the hoses. - Ascertain that there are no rust or cracks on the hoses. If one pair of the hose is damaged, it is advisable to replace both, as it would be a matter of time before the other hose gives way.

Removing and washing the radiator
	1.	Firstly, locate the lower cap or the petcock of your radiator, which can be found at the base of the radiator. You need a wrench to undo the nuts that locks in the cap.
	2.	Prepare a container to drain the flow of unwanted coolant, as you unscrew the nut. Allow some time for all the coolant to flow out.
	3.	Replace the bottom cap, then using a garden hose fill-up the radiator with water.
	4.	Undo the bottom cap again. This is to flush out the remaining coolant and dirt. Refill and flush out the water again until you get a clear flow of water coming out from the radiator. This would indicate that the radiator has been thoroughly cleansed.
	5.	Replace the bottom cap when you are done flushing out the last round of water.

Refilling the coolant and water
		The maximum combination between the coolant and water is 50/50. This would protect your engine up till a temperature of 121 degrees Celsius. A mixture of more than 50% of coolant would reduce its cooling capability.
		It is advisable to refill your radiator with distilled water (without minerals) as tap water might react with the coolant and leaving side effects.
		The water level of your radiator should be filled up to half full, or half the amount of old coolant that was flushed out earlier.

When everything is done, recap the radiator top and you have a well functioning cooling system in your engine!