Although this problem is pretty rare, if you do encounter this situation, then it’s best that you know how to address this auto issue as soon as possible. If your ignition key refuses to turn, don’t panic just yet and stop yourself from calling a tow truck right away. It’s highly probable that the problem is pretty minor.

First, are you sure you’re using the right key? If you own more than one automobile, then chances are you have a single key chain that houses all your car keys. A few years ago, my cousin called me up to tell me that her ignition won’t turn. I hurried over to her house only to find out, to my embarrassment and hers, that she was using her Chevy’s key for her Camry. While this mistake is pretty rare, it’s very much understandable, especially when you’re running late for something important.

If you have the right key but it won’t insert completely then inspect your key for signs of breakage. If you try turning your key when it’s not seated firmly, then it’s not going to turn. If you can’t insert the key fully, then chances are there is something inside your ignition switch that is obstructing your key’s movement. If you broke your key elsewhere then a missing tooth should stop it from turning as well. Locate a spare key and try using that instead.

Check if you have the right gear setting. As I mentioned in my previous post, most vehicles require your auto to be in Neutral or Park for it to start.

If your steering wheel is locked, then try to move the key into the On position and move your steering wheel to unlock it before starting your vehicle. Some ignitions and steering wheel columns lock in a precise manner that requires you to first “unlock” the wheel before you can start your car. If you can’t figure out how to unlock your steering wheel, consult your owner’s manual first.

If none of these steps work, then your auto problem may have something to do with how your auto is parked. Some ignitions lock up when your tires are turned a certain way or when they’re jammed against the curb. If you think this might be your problem, then follow these steps:

Step #1: Shift into the right gear. Park for automatic transmissions and Neutral for manual.

Step #2: Set the parking/hand brake. This would prevent your car from suddenly moving while you try to unlock your ignition.

Step #3: Once you’ve secured everything, give your steering wheel a hard yank. Not too hard though, because you might just end up damaging your auto’s steering mechanism. Give it a firm yank in the opposite direction of where your wheels are turned. This should also free up a locked steering wheel.

Step #4: Release or disengage your hand brake and try turning your steering wheel. If your steering wheel turns easily, then you’ve got the green light to try starting your car again.

Step #5: Try turning your ignition key.

We all have our “off” days. These are the days when you wake up on the wrong side of bed and you find yourself über-late for an important meeting, breakfast tastes like cinders and your shower’s broken. Thinking that your day can’t be any worse, you slip into your car, insert the key into the ignition and turn it, just wanting to get to work as soon as possible. To your absolute horror, all you hear is a “rrr-rrr-ing” sound. You try again and again only to have the same results.

When trying to re-start your vehicle, do avoid holding your ignition key in the Start position for more than ten seconds. This could damage your ignition mechanism or ignition starter, which could mean very costly repair bills.

Before you start panicking and thinking your car is a worthless piece of junk, keep in mind that there are some steps by which you can determine the cause of your auto problem. Before calling a tow truck, you can try out these troubleshooting steps first. (Although if you are in a hurry, you may want to hail a cab and inspect your vehicle when you get home.)

Troubleshooting your stubborn auto:

The following are some of the behaviors that your car might display when you turn your key to the Start position, and the reasons why your auto refuses to start.

When all you hear is clicking or silence when you try to start your car: This could indicate battery problems. Check if you left any of your doors partially open or if you accidentally forgot to turn off some of your auto lights. A drained battery or more specifically, a dead battery could be the main reason why your vehicle won’t start. Turn your key to the On position and check if your other auto accessories work. If they work, then a dead battery isn’t the culprit.

When your auto attempts to start but the engine won’t fire: When this happens, the auto problems usually have to do with damaged points or plugs. Dirty spark plugs could affect your engine’s performance, preventing it from starting effectively. Clean out your spark plugs and try starting your car again. If you left your car out in the rain overnight, or if your vehicle suddenly stopped moving while you were driving through flooded streets (or even just a large puddle), then it’s possible that water has seeped in and your auto’s points are now too damp to operate. If your points and plugs are wet, then you can dry them using WD-40 or starter spray.

When your auto tries to start but your engine simply refuses to turn over enough and engage: This indicates a probable battery problem. Check if you have any loose battery connections or if you have a drained battery. Jump-starting your auto could help you if the problem is a drained or dead battery. Other problems that could cause this vehicle behavior include damages on your alternator or starter, and corrupted or low oil levels. When it comes to repairing starter or alternator problems, it’s best to leave these jobs to the pros. But what you can do is check your oil level and change your oil in case it has become corrupted or if it’s too low.

When your auto’s engine does turn over but it keeps dying after a while: The main culprit behind this auto behavior is usually poor maintenance. If the problem’s minor then this is something that an oil change and a tune-up can fix. If, however, your car fails to start after you’ve conducted both, then get your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic. It’s possible that your car has retained extensive damage in one of its auto systems.

When your auto’s gas gauge indicates FUEL EMPTY: It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to determine that when your gas tank is empty, your auto won’t move. So the next logical step is to simply refill your tank.

While you conduct this analysis, check your vehicle’s dashboard warning lights. These warning lights can help you determine your auto problems easily.

Other possible reasons behind your auto’s failure to start:

• Loose or broken fan belt—most cars refuse to start unless you’ve tightened or replaced this busted auto part.
• Starting with the wrong gear—if you’re driving a car with an automatic transmission, then keep in mind that most vehicles require you to be in Neutral or Park before your can start your auto.
• Activated anti-theft mechanism—if your new vehicle has an anti-theft mechanism, then starting your car may require you to conduct some special steps before your auto can be started (consult your owner’s manual).

Winter is the time when you need your auto’s heating system the most. Even if it’s still summer, it doesn’t hurt to have a few tricks up your sleeve even before the coldest season settles in. If you live in the colder regions where it feels like winter all year long, then you might need your heater to work overtime. While traveling, you don’t really have the time or the luxury of thawing numbed fingers from the intense cold seeping in through your heating system or through the small cracks and crevices on your window and door’s weatherstripping.

If your current heater is bringing more cold than heat, or if it’s no longer warming up your auto’s passenger cabin the way it used to, then you need to inspect some auto components that could be damaged or are in need of replacing. Check for leaking or defective hoses and a dirty or damaged thermostat to see if you need to replace any of these auto units.

Once you’re done checking these components, try this simple trick to retain more heat in your vehicle’s cabin. This is a trick I learned from one of my car maintenance books. I’ve tried doing this to my sister’s old Chevy, and it’s been pretty effective.

Step #1: Take a piece of thick cardboard and cut it down roughly the size of your front grille.

Step #2: Insert the cardboard into your auto’s grille. While you don’t need to cover your auto’s entire grille, it could reduce the amount of frigid air that seeps into your auto while at the same time lessening the amount of heat that escapes your passenger compartment.

And there you have it: a simple and quick solution to your auto heating problems.

Once in a while, even the sturdiest and the most well-maintained vehicle can experience stalling. Contrary to popular belief, new drivers aren’t the only ones who are prone to experiencing auto stalling. If, however your vehicle is starting to stall a lot more than it used to, then you know that it’s time to restore your auto’s original condition by exercising excellent vehicle maintenance. Basic vehicle maintenance includes inspecting the components under your vehicle’s hood, looking for loose or broken belts, checking your oil levels and performing an auto tune-up.

While most stalling problems can be solved with correct and regular maintenance, this auto problem becomes serious when your vehicle stalls and refuses to restart after several tries. If you find yourself in this situation, then here are some tricks you can do and items you can check to determine the reason behind your auto’s stalling.

#1 Start by turning off all of your vehicle’s accessories including your auto lights, radio and air conditioning system. If, however, you happen to be parked in the emergency lane, then keep your hazard lights on. You need to turn off all the unnecessary vehicle accessories to reduce the likelihood of draining your battery while you’re trying to restart your auto.

#2 Be wary of how many times you attempt to turn over your engine. Turning your engine too much will cause your vehicle’s battery to drain quickly. When this happens you’ll end up worrying further on how you can jump-start your vehicle.

#3 Check your gas gauge. If it says empty then your auto didn’t just stall, it flat-out ran out of gas. You know the solution to this one already. Get some fuel into your vehicle to start traveling again.

#4 If your auto stalls and the temperature gauge indicates that your vehicle was operating beyond the normal range, then let your car cool down before attempting to restart it. It might be a classic case of auto overheating. If large white clouds of smoke start coming out of your vehicle from under the hood, then you know your engine just overheated. Fill the (usually) empty radiator with water and try to get your vehicle’s operating temperature as close to normal as possible before restarting.

#5 Another possible reason behind your auto stalling is a flooded engine. Let the excess fuel abate and wait for minutes before trying to restart your vehicle.

#6 Inspect your dashboard lights. If your ignition key is set to “On”, are all the lights still lit? This could help you determine what caused your vehicle’s stalling. (lack of gas, overheating, etc.)

#7 Check under the hood for broken or loose connections, especially surrounding your battery. If your auto’s been running for a long time then chances are the components under your vehicles hood are still blistering hot. Don’t touch anything just yet, and try to find a rag to help keep your hand protected. Check your oil levels.

#8 When your engine and its surrounding components are no longer extremely hot (when your vehicle has started to cool down), check your distributor cap, radiator and engine. If you spot any signs of damage then you need to call the tow truck. If the problem lies with dirty spark plugs, then clean them out when you get home. If you happen to be out in a rainy day, then it’s possible that your points and plugs have gotten wet, at which point they’ll need either drying or replacing.

#9 If your auto has a manual transmission and you have a dead battery without any means to jump-start it, then you can try to push start your car instead. While this method is not really recommended because it can be quite dangerous, having other people push you and exercise caution while they’re at it can help your auto turn the engine properly.

#10 If you’re driving a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, check out your fuse box. This is particularly recommended if your vehicle can start but has difficulties or would not shift into gear automatically. Check to see the fuse controls that are connected to your vehicle’s brake system. The main reason behind your stalling auto might just be a blown fuse. Replace your blown fuse immediately and while you’re at it, do invest in a great set of spare fuses to avoid ending up with this problem again.

Based on statistics, poor vehicle maintenance is one of the leading causes of bad fuel and/or oil consumption. A poorly maintained automobile is inclined to consume up to twice the amount of oil and/or fuel compared to a well-maintained car. This is one of the primary reasons why in my posts I keep on stressing the importance of keeping your auto in tiptop shape at all times.

While we’re all inclined to make excuses as to having little or no time or money to regularly conduct tune-ups and vehicle (exterior, interior and under-the-hood) checks, let me remind you that spending the time and yes, the money, to check on your vehicle once in a while should spare you the costlier expenses of needing to have your auto repaired constantly mainly because you failed to maintain it properly.

I actually had to learn the importance of vehicle maintenance the hard way. My first car exhibited signs of poor fuel consumption which I failed to check on for weeks. I found out later that the main cause was fuel tank leakage, which eventually caused bigger problems, denting my bank account quite well. If I had checked and addressed the problem sooner, then I could have spared myself from the hassle of having to spend a hundred dollars more than I should have. A simple fuel tank replacement should have saved me more gas, which is why I advise you to start checking your auto the moment you notice its gas-guzzling or oil-draining habits.

If your vehicle has been using up more gas or oil than it normally does, it’s time for you to ask yourself the following questions:

When was your last auto tune-up? In my previous posts, I’ve stressed the importance of auto tune-ups to the point of redundancy. But as I said, a tune-up could let you determine auto problems from the onset of its early symptoms, preventing the problem from getting bigger. While it may not solve all your auto problems, it does give you an idea on what you should focus on when it comes to home auto-repairs.

How much load is your vehicle carrying? If you’ve been hauling around extra baggage, even if it’s just around 100 to 200 pounds more than you usually do, then this could be the cause of your auto’s poor fuel economy. Remember, the heavier your auto, the more gas your vehicle consumes. This is the reason why trucks, SUVs, vans and APVs use up more gas compared to compact car models.

When was the last time you had an oil change? If you haven’t changed your car’s oil for a long time, then this could be the root of your auto’s oil and fuel issues.

Are your tires worn? Balding tires, poor wheel alignment and uneven treading forces your auto to use up more gas. Have those wheels realigned or replace your worn tires as soon as possible to fix your fuel woes.

How’s your vehicle’s overall performance? Is your auto hopping more than it cruises? If your answer is yes, then it means your vehicle needs auto maintenance ASAP. Keep your vehicle in prime condition to increase its efficiency.

Last question: do you tend to leave your car idling for long periods of time? Most mechanics would agree that leaving your car idling for even just a minute uses up as much gas as when you start your vehicle. If you’ve been encountering heavier traffic, then your vehicle might be forced to use up more gas.

If you find that the reason behind your poor fuel or oil consumption is a lax in auto maintenance, then your best recourse is to spend your weekend performing a thorough tune-up, inspection, radiator flush (if it’s that time of the year), coolant replacement and oil change.

Should the problem be rooted in misaligned wheels or worn tires then do make an appointment with a nearby garage to have your tires replaced, rotated or realigned.

If none of these remedies work, then you might want to try getting gas from another gas station from another area. If for example, you’ve been filling your tank from a station found in a flood plain, then go to another gas station that isn’t within that location.

Be sure to keep track of your mileage and fill-ups. It’s also possible that your estimated average mileage doesn’t correspond with your trips to the gas station, meaning the root of your problems could simply be imperfect calculations. I highly suggest you keep track of your mileage and gas fill-ups the old-school way: pen and notebook.

And lastly, if the change in your oil and/or fuel consumption is pretty drastic, then you need to check for leaks as soon as you can.

Considering doing your auto’s tune-up yourself? Then you’ll need to have the right tools and materials in hand. The following are some of the basic tools and auto parts you’ll need when tuning your own vehicle:

Spark Plugs: the number of spark plugs you should have in stock depends on the number of engine cylinders you have. Remember, it’s one spark plug per engine cylinder.

A Replacement Air Filter: since you’re going to be checking and possibly even cleaning your air filter, it’s always handy to have a replacement part with you in case your filter is damaged beyond repair.

A Spark Plug Tool: for easier and safer spark plug removal

Torque Wrench: the torque wrench should come in handy when you’re removing various auto parts under your hood. (spark plug sometimes included)

A Spark Plug Gapping Tool: If you’re planning on replacing any of your spark plugs then you need to find the right amount of space for proper airflow. This is the main purpose of this handy tool.

Fuel Filter: as you can already gather from its name, this handy auto part helps clean your fuel from impurities. It also prevents debris from settling into your gas tank and destroying your engine. This auto part needs to be replaced every few years or every 30,000 to 40,000 miles—all depending on what your owner’s manual specifies.

Clean Cloth or Cloths: there’s no better way to soak up spills than with a nice, clean cloth.

Brush or Brushes: small brushes will help you clean even the most hard-to-reach places between your auto’s numerous components.

PCV Inlet Filter or PCV Filter: this auto part is found in your air cleaner assembly, near your air filter. Replace immensely dirty or clogged filters to improve your engine’s performance.

Masking Tape and Marking Pens: use these tools to label the parts you take out for easier reassembly.

Compressed Air: you can get compressed air from a can or an air compressor.

Other auto parts you may need:

Replacement Distributor Cap: if your distributor cap is damaged or cracked then you need to replace this cap as soon as possible.

Ignition Wires or Cables: exposed to extreme heat, these high-voltage current carriers are usually prone to damage and meltdowns. Replace busted wires ASAP to prevent stray current from destroying the auto parts under your hood.

Distributor Ignition Rotor: in most cases, replacing the distributor also requires you to replace the rotor found with it. If you’re planning on getting a tune-up kit, make sure your kit contains this vital part.

ON AUTO TUNE-UP KITS:

There are some companies out there that offer great tune-up kits. Most kits feature basic replacement parts included in the package. This allows you to save money and lets you purchase only some parts separately. But before purchasing just any tune-up kit, do check different kits and then compare prices and items to find the best deal for you.

FREQUENCY OF AUTO-TUNE-UPS FOR OLDER VEHICLES

If your vehicle was manufactured in 1980 or earlier, you may need to conduct tune-ups more often. You may also have to conduct additional checks depending on the type of parts installed in your vehicle.

WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER BEFORE A DIY AUTO TUNE-UP

Do you have enough time to conduct an auto tune-up yourself? Even the most well-maintained autos require at least an hour of your time for comprehensive checks and cleaning. If your vehicle is in poor condition, then expect it to eat up at least four to five hours of your time. If your vehicle also carries a relatively large engine (if you have a truck, an SUV or a van), then expect to have more parts and spark plugs to check compared to a regular compact car. If you don’t have time for the DIY tune-up, then I highly suggest letting the pros handle this car maintenance tip.

Are you in good health? Auto tune-ups will require a lot of stamina, since you’re basically going to be examining even the smallest parts and probably even lifting heavy loads as you replace auto components. Are you fit enough for this job?

Have you considered having a garage conduct the tune-up for you? Some garages may save you money because of their special deals on tune-ups. Look around your area to find a reputable garage that would tune your auto at a good price. This can be the cost-effective solution you’re looking for. Compute the costs of buying the materials vs. having someone else buy the materials for you. Leaving this job to the pros allows you to save not only time but also money. If, however, there’s much to be done with your vehicle, then expect the prices to be a little steeper than what you initially expected.

Do you have the right information to conduct an auto tune-up? While most owner manuals state exactly what type of air filters, ignition wires and spark plugs you need for auto tune-ups, if you find that your owner’s manual doesn’t contain enough information then you may want to purchase manuals from Hayne’s or Chilton’s or any other manual from your trusted auto parts store for the right assistance.

I advise you to think about these factors first before embarking on a DIY tune-up.

If you play the piano or the guitar, then you’d surely know when something’s gone amiss. A string or a key out of tune can easily be heard and can seriously affect the overall performance of the musician. The same goes for your vehicle. Inside your vehicle (whether we’re talking truck, car, convertible or SUV) is a series of auto parts all designed to work well together in providing you with the best performance your vehicle can offer. When one of these parts malfunction or stop working altogether, you’ll certainly notice it with the decrease in vehicle handling, fuel economy, speed or ride quality of your vehicle. So how do you know that your vehicle is in dire need of a tune-up?

The following are some easy-to-spot symptoms of an auto that desperately needs a tune-up:

*note: Though a tune-up may not be able to solve bigger auto problems, it helps you determine the cause of your vehicle’s poor performance or malfunctions.

BAD FUEL ECONOMY: With the prices of fuel on the rise, you definitely don’t need the hassle of constantly having to refill your tank because your ride’s wasting too much gas. If you notice a decline on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, then your auto needs a tune-up ASAP.

EXHAUST PROBLEMS: When checking your auto’s exhaust emissions, is it appearing denser or does it smell more pungent? Is your car releasing large clouds of white, bluish or dark smoke?

ENGINE PINGING, ROUGH-RUNNING and KNOCKING: Do you hear knocking and pinging on your exhaust or under your hood each time you drive? Is your engine running rougher these days? (A rough-running engine presents itself best when your vehicle is idling).

FEEDBACK and PROBLEMS with AUTO-STARTS: Is your vehicle these days more prone to stalling? Do you experience difficulties each time you start your ride? Notice a feedback even when your auto’s engine is turned off?

If you answered yes to any of the questions listed above, or if you are experiencing problems with your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, then you need to conduct an auto tune-up as soon as you can.

Why your Auto Tune-Up acts as a Preventive Measure and a Band-Aid Solution:

The symptoms you just read in the previous paragraphs indicate auto troubles. Now, while a tune-up may be able to eliminate some of the above-mentioned issues, if the problems too big for the tune-up then it may require you to actually repair or replace some of the major auto units installed in your vehicle.

In a way, a tune-up acts as a band-aid for your vehicle’s issues. It’s basically your least expensive and least-invasive defense against the symptoms listed above. If you notice small problems in your auto, then you’d probably resort to small “cures” and preventive acts before actually going for a major auto system overhaul. If any of the symptoms listed above doesn’t go away after the tune-up, then it’s time to consult the professionals.

These days, it’s very tempting to just forgo tune-ups altogether. Tune-ups require you to invest your hard-earned pay on certain tools like replacement air filters, and with all the bills you have to pay the tune-up can seem like a waste of money and time. But let me remind you that a tune-up can ultimately save you a lot more money than you’ll have to spend in the long run by acting as a preventive measure against further auto woes.

For example, in case of an engine breakdown, wouldn’t you prefer to just replace a busted spark plug than to replace your engine altogether? While repairing your engine can easily cost thousands of dollars, replacing will cost you a lot more. A replacement spark plug on the other hand, should cost you less than $20. If you choose to have a professional replace your spark plug for you then your expenses shouldn’t skyrocket to over $500. If you follow the logic of this example, then therein lies the practicality of regular tune-ups.

The auto tune-up is one of the most popularly known vehicle maintenance tricks out there. As you can already surmise from its name, the tune-up involves tweaking your car a little bit and replacing old filters and small parts to help keep your vehicle running at its best. But what exactly is an auto tune-up?

The Tune-Up:

Based on experience, I’ve found that going to different garages and talking to various mechanics can give you different answers to the question: “what is an auto tune-up”. But though definitions of the term “tune-up” may differ depending on the auto mechanic, most of its basic processes and standard operations remain the same. The following are some of the standard operations performed in a tune-up:

• Checking and if needed, replacing spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters and the PCV filter
• Checking the work condition f the ignition and replacing damaged parts (once again, if needed)
• Inspecting the wires running between your vehicle’s distributor cap and cylinders for damage and doing necessary repairs or replacing
• And cleaning the distributor cap and replacing it if it’s damaged or cracked

The tune-up could also mean checking all the different components located under your vehicle’s hood. The extent of your inspection or checks would depend on how extensive you want your tune-up to be.

Why Should You Get a Tune Up?

The primary reason behind the tune-up is to make sure your vehicle is still in tiptop shape. Regular tune-ups should also help prevent complete engine breakdown, since you’ll be repairing and replacing damaged auto parts before they can cause more harm to your engine’s system and your vehicle’s overall performance.

While most drivers are predisposed to getting tune-ups only when necessary, i.e. when the vehicle is going to be checked by a state safety program or emissions program, it’s more advisable to conduct regular tune-ups every year. Besides, it takes more than a tune-up to cure massive auto problems that have been gradually worsening in your vehicle in the past few months.

When Should You Get a Tune Up?

Use your owner’s manual as your guide to finding out exactly how often you need to tune your auto. Most manuals indicate timeframes using mileage or months. Some vehicles require tune-ups every 40,000 miles, while others require it every 60,000 miles. There are also a number of auto manufacturers who recommend tune-up schedules based on where you drive (in the crowded city streets or through long and traffic-less freeways), the amount of heavy traffic you have to sit through and how you drive (in short, if you’re a start-and-stop kind of driver). Confirm with your owner’s manual before conducting a tune-up.

If, however, you’ve been noticing some defects or a deterioration in your vehicle’s performance, then it doesn’t hurt to conduct a tune-up as soon as possible. If you encounter auto problems that you can’t fix yourself, then take your vehicle to a professional mechanic to have it repaired.

Note: There are some auto warranties that actually require you to perform a tune-up as often as is stated by the owner’s manual. Failure to do so will mean a violation of the warranty’s rules which could mean the invalidation of your entire auto warranty.

Can You Tune Your Car Yourself?

Yes, you can. As long as you now how to conduct the checks and how to replace various auto components correctly then this shouldn’t be a problem for you.

That being said, do conduct your tune-ups as often as you need to. Don’t wait for those small and seemingly insignificant auto problems to turn into gargantuan vehicle issues that could potentially drain your bank account.

]]> http://automechanics.wordpress.com/2008/06/21/auto-tune-ups-answering-the-what%e2%80%99s-when%e2%80%99s-and-why%e2%80%99s-of-automotive-tune-ups/feed/ The Parts Bin | Automechanic http://automechanics.wordpress.com/2008/06/20/car-maintenance-101-flushing-your-vehicle%e2%80%99s-cooling-system/ http://automechanics.wordpress.com/2008/06/20/car-maintenance-101-flushing-your-vehicle%e2%80%99s-cooling-system/#comments Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:33:46 +0000 autofrankie http://automechanics.wordpress.com/?p=119

The Importance of your Vehicle’s Heating and Cooling System

Beyond the comforts offered by being able to control the temperature inside your vehicle, your auto’s heating and cooling systems are necessary in preventing your ride from breaking down due to incredibly high operating temperatures.

Checking your auto’s cooling and heating systems is particularly crucial in the weeks preceding the subfreezing winter season and the sweltering heat of summer. But it’s more advisable that you check these systems every time you conduct a routine car check-up or you engage in basic vehicle maintenance.

Every time you drive, your radiator uses up coolant and water mixture to help lower the temperatures in your vehicle’s engine system. The longer and the faster you drive, the bigger the stress on your engine, allowing temperatures to skyrocket to incredible heights leading to the increase of the likelihood of overheating. Because of the coolant’s crucial role in maintaining your engine’s efficiency, you need to keep your ride equipped with the right coolant mixture (pretty much the same way you’d pick out the right type of gas for your car).

Coolant, like all the other fluids used by your vehicle, has a tendency to break down over time. This is why you need to replace your coolant mixture once in a while. When the coolant breaks down, more stress is placed on your radiator and your engine begins to run hotter than normal. Gunk and mineral deposits also build up under your vehicle’s hood, effectively reducing your vehicle’s overall performance. Prolonged use of bad coolant can also result to radiator damage, requiring you to replace your radiator sooner than you actually have to.

How Often Do You Need to Flush Out Your Cooling System?

The frequency required by your vehicle may depend on the type of auto you own and the weather conditions. If you live in an area that has moderate climates, then you can flush out your vehicle’s cooling system once a year. If, however, you live in an area known for its harsh winters and/or sizzling summers, then you may need to change your coolant mixture twice a year—at the start of summer and at the start of winter. Browse through your owner’s manual for more information on this matter.

The following are some steps on how you can flush out your vehicle’s cooling system.

Materials:

• a large container (or several large containers)
• radiator cleaning fluid or coolant cleaning system
• fresh coolant

Step 1: Wait until you have a cool engine. If you’ve been driving, then it’s always best (not to mention safer) to wait for your engine to cool down before you start working under your vehicle’s hood.

Step 2: Prop up your hood. Again, for this step, make sure that you’ve turned off your vehicle’s engine. It’s pretty much the same way you’d want to turn off your computer, or any other electrical gadget for that matter, before you start tinkering with its components.

Step 3: Find your radiator pressure cap and release it. Do exercise a lot of caution when doing this. If your car has been running for a bit before you prop up your hood, even if your engine is already cool, there’s a chance that pressure build-up has occurred under your radiator pressure cap. When you release the cap hastily, the cap and the radiator content might just fly off. Avoid this scenario by being extra-careful.

Step 4: Look for the valve or petcock that will let you drain your radiator. If you’re unfamiliar with this auto part, then I highly suggest consulting your owner’s manual or any other supplementing manual as reference.

Step 5: Take your empty container and put it directly under the petcock or the valve. The empty container(s) will catch the draining fluid that will come out of your radiator.

Step 6: Release the petcock or the valve. Coolant should drain completely into your container. Let the coolant drain completely.

Step 7: After emptying your radiator, close your petcock or valve and remove the container.

Step 8: Fill up your radiator with water. Take note: not water-coolant mixture, just plain water. Don’t replace your radiator cap just yet.

Step 9: Start your engine. Let your engine idle for a bit as you add your coolant cleanser or radiator cleaning fluid into your radiator. Depending on the instructions or the time specified by the manufacturer of your cleanser, you may need to let your vehicle idle for around 20 or even 30 minutes.

Step 10: Turn off your engine. Let your engine sit until it cools down completely.

Step 11: Drain the fluid from your previous container and position it under the radiator.

Step 12: Reopen your petcock or valve (usually found at the base of the radiator) and let the mixture drain.

Step 13: After draining completely, close your petcock or radiator valve.

Step 14: Remove the filled container and drain it once more. (You’ll be using your container again)

Step 15: Fill your radiator with water. Although this is the second time you’re doing this, it’s important that you keep on repeating this process to clean your radiator from gunk and mineral deposits completely.

Step 16: Start your engine once more but this time, let it idle for just around five minutes.

Step 17: Turn off your engine and once again, using your container, drain the water from your radiator. Remember to close your petcock or valve completely after draining your radiator.

Step 18: Bring out your coolant or antifreeze bottle and follow the instructions specified in your owner’s manual. Most vehicles require a 50-50 mix of coolant and water. If, however, your owner’s manual states otherwise, then follow its instructions to a tee.

Step 19: Replace your radiator cap.

If you’ve followed all the 19 steps listed in this post, then congratulations! You have just successfully flushed out your cooling system.

Let me start this post by saying that this practice is not recommended.

While it’s normal for most drivers to “step on the gas” or depress the accelerator a bit when starting their vehicles, it’s not normal to do this repeatedly or to hold the accelerator down completely. We often depress the gas pedal to send some fuel into the system. But if you do this repeatedly or for long periods of time, then too much fuel enters your engine system (more than what is needed and definitely a lot more than what’s recommended), resulting in you accidentally flooding your engine—although to be more precise, it’s actually your carburetor that gets flooded. When this happens, you’ve got a bit of a problem.

The best solution to this problem is to give your vehicle a little time. Prop up your hood and wait for a few minutes before you attempt to start your car again. This time, be mindful of how much fuel you’re sending to your engine system. In short, don’t depress the pedal too much or too often.

If this doesn’t work, then you may need to actually open your vehicle’s carburetor and you will need to use some WD-40 or ether-based spray to dry up the excess fuel before you can start your vehicle again. WD-40 and ether sprays are highly flammable, so use them with caution. And please don’t leave your vehicle running and don’t smoke while you use these flammable products. If while doing this you find out that your carburetor is no longer in good working condition, then do replace your carburetor with a high quality replacement part.

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