We know how difficult it is to get rid of all the air out of the cooling system with the help of a water pump or thermostat replacement. And if not executed precisely, it can damage your car’s engine eventually.  Over time, the coolant system starts overheating due to the accumulation of air pockets. Wondering how you can bleed a car cooling system? Read ahead!

Drawing air from the cooling system can work wonders for your car. With a few easy steps, you can make the whole situation convenient and easy.

What is a Car Cooling System?

One of the most crucial components of your car’s automobile engine is the cooling system. It has three chief functions:

1. To get rid of heat from the engine.
2. Maintaining the engine operating temperature.
3. Bringing the engine to the correct operating temperature.

These functions play an essential role in maintaining the health of the engine. Your cooling system consists of six parts that assist with the efficient working of the car: Engine, Radiator, Water pump, Cooling fan, hoses and a thermostat.

When the engine is ignited, the fuel energy is converted into heat. This heat is later transferred to the coolant by the water pump and then into the engine. Sometimes this makes the coolant system extremely hot, making the engine depend on the radiator to stabilise the temperature.

What Causes Car Coolant to Boil?

Cooling systems in most cars depend on leak-proof circuits to pump antifreeze or coolant around the engine. When the air enters the sealed system, the blockage is formed by air pockets. It eventually causes the cooling system to overheat.

Bubbling or overheating is a sign of blockage in the cooling system. The most common cause can be a blown head gasket. In such a case, the air pressure is transferred to the cooling system from the cylinder heads. For proper guidance on maintaining your cooling system, seek help from a car service provider.

| Also Read: Car Cooling System – Parts, Working, and Common Issues |

How Do You Bleed a Car Cooling System?

Take a look at our simple guide on how to bleed a car cooling system manually without any special tool or equipment. Be extra cautious while handling the car cooling system as it tends to reach the boiling temperature. This method will take about 30 minutes to bleed the cooling system.

1. Keep your antifreeze/coolant ready: The first and most essential step is to keep the liquid ready. Always use the coolant referred by your car manufacturer. It does not require much time to damage your engine with the wrong type of coolant. However, if you are unaware of which coolant to choose, get the help of an expert. Create a mixture with 50% concentrated coolant and 50% water. Read the instructions carefully for your coolant. Those living in cold places need to mix coolant correctly to avoid freezing in the engine. Opt for a Car Cooling System Repair if you notice any discrepancy.
2. Jack up the front of the car: Many people ignore this step, but it makes a big difference if you jack up your vehicle. This step helps in getting rid of the air much more easily and quickly. To raise your car, use a floor jack or park the car on the steep hill with the front upward.
3. Fill Coolant:When your car is raised, fill the coolant as much as possible. If there are air bleed valves, open them simultaneously while filling the coolant. Close the valves when the coolant starts flowing out. Since coolant is toxic, make sure it is not flowing on the floor, road etc. It is hazardous to the environment, and if any animal drinks it, can lead to death.
4. Start the engine: Now that you have filled the coolant to the maximum, you should turn on the engine. While switching it on, the water pump will throw away some coolant from the radiator. It only happens when there is air inside the system.
5. Turn the climate control heat: The next step is to turn the climate control heat to the maximum. This step differs from car to car. Many manufacturers build a valve that will prevent coolant from flowing inside the car’s thermal pack. However, this happens only if the climate control is set on cold.
6. Rev the engine to 3000-4000rpm: For this step, you will need help from a friend. Ask the person to sit into the car and rev up the engine to 3000-4000 RPM. Make sure RPM is steady while you are working on it.
7. Open the bleed valve carefully: While your friend is working on reviving the engine, you can loosen the air bleeding valves. Check if the coolant temperature is not too high, or it will be difficult to work with your car. Keep an eye on the coolant temperature and also whether it leaks or not.
8. Refill coolant if required: Turn off the air bleeding valves. Let your engine be in an idle position and recheck. If required, refill the coolant. Put the radiator cap back when the coolant stays in place.
9. Give your car a short spin: When you are confident about no more leaks, take your car out for a test drive. Be alert about the coolant temperature while you are driving the car. Overheating can blow your head gasket.
10.  Refill coolant again: If there is any temperature peak and the coolant level differs, make sure to refill the coolant. Check if there are any leaks. After this, you can leave your car for a few hours and take another test drive.

| Also Read: Full Car Service: What Does a Full Car Service include? |

FAQs

How long does it take to bleed air out of the cooling system?

Usually, it takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the model and method you follow. It, however, takes 15-20 minutes to heat the engine and get rid of the coolant.

Will a cooling system bleed itself?

Your coolant system can bleed some between the overflow tank and thermostat. However, to properly bleed, you need to fill the coolant and run the car with the radiator cap off.

Do you bleed coolant with a car on or off?

You need to turn the water on and set it to flow lightly. Turn your car off to flush the radiator from the cooling system.

Bottom Line

If you follow these steps properly, there are no chances of any mistake. Make sure you do research and use the right product to keep your car cooling system healthy. If there are any problems or issues faced during the process, reread this guide and repeat it. We hope this guide about how do you bleed a car cooling system is beneficial and fruitful!