A car radiator keeps the engine from overheating. Proper radiator maintenance is important to keeping your car running at peak performance and for avoiding costly engine damage because of overheating.
Most often, the first warning that there is a problem with a car's cooling system is either steam coming out from under the hood or the temperature gauge rising alarmingly.
Here are easy step by step guide on how to replace an automotive radiator.
Drain the radiator. Make sure the engine is cold, then take off or release the pressure cap on the radiator. Open the drain valve. Allow the coolant to drain into a bucket or drain pan, and then close the valve.
Detach the hoses from the radiator. Loosen the nose clamps and pull the hoses off of their attachment necks. Take off the auxiliary belts by sliding them off of their pulleys to gain more work room.
Install the new hose. Attach and clamp one end tightly in place before you tackle the other end. Make sure that the hose won't restrict any moving parts or touch the engine when it's hot, and that the clamps are tight.
Start the engine and add more water and coolant as the level in the radiator drops.
Replace the pressure cap. If your engine is the type that needs to be bled, do so now, following the instructions in the owner's manual or service manual for your vehicle.
You know your radiator replacement is completed when no more air bubbles bleed from the system and your coolant is fully up to temperature.
