Flushing the coolant on a 2006 Chevy Silverado is an easy task and does not require much technical skill to accomplish. It is a good idea to perform the job about once a year to clean out solid residue deposits from corrosion, antifreeze and engine coolants bound to clog the cooling system. No expensive tools are necessary to flush the coolant, since the 2006 Chevy Silverado has a petcock to drain the radiator.
Locate the petcock underneath the radiator on your 2006 Chevy Silverado. It is on the left side if you look at the car from the front.
Place a bucket or any other receptacle underneath the drain hole of the petcock so you can capture the used radiator fluid. Make sure you do not spill any used fluid on the ground, as engine coolants and antifreezes are extremely alluring for animals due to their sweet taste. However, those substances are toxic and can kill pets.
Turn the petcock counterclockwise until the valve opens and the used radiator fluid drains into your bucket. Shut petcock after the draining process has finished.
Remove radiator cap and refill with engine coolant and water, using the funnel. In most climate zones, a 50/50 mix of coolant and water will be sufficient. Only extreme desert heat or arctic cold requires a mix of more engine coolant than water, but you should always be safe with a ratio of 75 percent coolant and 25 percent water, no matter where you live.
Tighten radiator cap and wipe off coolant that may have spilled on your engine, the radiator or the ground, using a rag.
Take the used radiator fluid to a hazardous waste collection site. Do not flush it into the sewer or toilet, as it is extremely toxic and dangerous to wildlife.
