What You Need
You're cruising down the road when—splat!—you hit a swarm of insects. The splattered mess left behind, especially on the radiator, makes for one of the less appealing car care chores. Still, keeping radiator fins clean is critical to maintaining your engine.
The radiator is the heart of your car's cooling system. Coolant flows through its tubes, absorbing heat from the engine and releasing it as air passes over the fins. Dirt, bugs, pebbles, and other debris can block airflow, while mineral buildup from coolant can clog the tubes themselves. Left unchecked, these issues can cause your engine to overheat and suffer serious damage.
To keep things running smoothly, most manufacturers recommend cleaning the radiator exterior once a year and performing a full flush about every five years. This helps maintain proper airflow and coolant circulation, improving the overall efficiency of the cooling system.
When cleaning, avoid harsh household chemicals. Vinegar's acetic acid can cause rust, while bleach corrodes metals like steel and aluminum and breaks down rubber seals. Using the wrong cleaner could damage not only the radiator but also key engine components.
A safer option to harsh chemicals and solvents, Simple Green® Pro HD Heavy-Duty Cleaner is a professional-grade, engine-safe cleaner/degreaser that breaks down grease, grime, automotive fluids, and yes - bug guts. The powerful, clean-rinsing formula is non-corrosive to metals including aluminum, stainless steel, chrome, and alloys.
Check your vehicle Owner's Manual before cleaning the radiator. Always follow the manufacturer's complete instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Make sure the radiator is cool to the touch before cleaning. Do not clean over asphalt.
