In order to keep a car running at its peak efficiency, an owner should conduct regular maintenance. One such example is the flushing of the radiator. During the course of normal operation, substances can start to accumulate in the cars cooling system and flushing the radiator is the only way to rid the automobile of this potentially problematic issue.
Turn the car's ignition on and then turn the heating system to high. Leave the car and heat running for a few minutes.
Switch the heating system off and turn the ignition off. Then allow the engine to cool off.
Open the hood of the car and touch the radiator to make sure it cooled off. If the radiator is still warm to the touch, allow the car to sit for a while longer.
Twist the radiator cap one turn to relive any pressure that built up in the radiator. Wait a few seconds to make sure all the pressure is gone and then remove the radiator cap. If possible, use work gloves, or at the very least, a towel when removing the radiator cap to protect your hands. Also, make sure there is no one else in the immediate vicinity when you remove the cap.
Place a drain pan directly under the radiator to catch the old coolant that you are going to flush from the radiator. Under no circumstance should you allow the coolant to drain onto the ground because it's highly toxic to children and pets.
Loosen the radiator drain plug and then remove the drain bolt and washer from the bottom of the engine block. Pour distilled water into the top of the radiator to flush out any debris. Keep flushing until the water runs clean out of the bottom of the radiator.
Tighten the radiator drain plug and put the drain bolt on the Acura Integra's engine block back in place when the coolant is finished draining.
Pour the new coolant into the radiator all the way to the top. You need to use Honda All Season Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 when you are flushing the radiator in an Acura Integra. Using other brands can potentially damage your car's coolant system.
Start the engine of the Acura Integra and let it run about 30 seconds. Then turn the engine off. Recheck the level of the coolant and add more if necessary.
Replace the cap on the radiator and start the engine again. Allow the car to run until the cooling fan comes on two separate times. Then, stop the car and allow the radiator to cool.
Touch the radiator to make sure it is cool to the touch, and if it is, remove the radiator's cap. Next, check the coolant level and fill to the top again if necessary.
Put the old coolant in a sealable container and take it to the nearest disposal area. Some automotive centers offer a free disposal service. Don't dump the coolant in any public area because it is extremely toxic.
