Antifreeze is poisonous and could cause irritation or serious damage if it is ingested or comes into contact with your skin and eyes.
Use jack stands to make your vehicle more secure. Do not let old antifreeze run down a drain or into the street since it could be detrimental to the environment. Use a bucket with a built-in spout so you can easily pour old antifreeze into another container.
If the radiator is visibly dirty, use a nylon brush and soapy water to clean the exterior surface.
Keep the cap in a place you can easily access so it doesn’t fall in between the components of your vehicle.
Pour the drained antifreeze into old plastic jugs and clearly label them. Check with your local hazardous waste control to find out how to properly dispose of your antifreeze.
Radiator cleaner can be purchased at your local automotive store. Distilled water does not contain added minerals and will add to the life of your radiator. Make sure the funnel you’re using is strictly meant for automotive work. Don’t use the same funnel you would use in the kitchen. Consult with your vehicle’s owner manual to see if they recommend a specific cleaner or amount to use.
Make sure you’re working in a well ventilated area. If you’re working in a garage, make sure the door is open so the fumes can escape.
Tap water has minerals that could cause the interior of your cooling system to rust earlier than it typically would.
Purchase a 50/50 antifreeze mixture from an automotive store to avoid mixing the solution yourself.
Let the car run for 15 minutes so the new antifreeze can be pulled through the entire system.
Any other leftover solution can be poured into the overflow container or save it until the next time you need to flush your system.
