How to De-pressurize the Coolant System in Your Car

Video Transcript

"In this clip, we're going to talk about the proper service procedure for removing and reinstalling your vehicle's radiator. In this step, we're going to talk about the proper service procedure for depressurizing your cooling system. First and foremost, you're going to want to start the job with your engine cool. There may still be some pressure retained by the radiator cap. Instead of just diving in and removing hoses to server our radiator. We're going to depressurize it through the cap. Now what I want you to do in order to avoid the scolding hazards, take your time while doing this. Reach down and grab a hold of a hose one that carries coolant and squeeze it. If the hose is firm to the touch, that's going to indicate that the cooling system is still under pressure. You're going to want to wait additional time before you open the radiator cap. If you can squeeze it like this though, you should be alright. Just as a safety precaution, we want you guys to take and use an old shirt or a shop rag, throw it over the top of the radiator cap. If there is still some pressure under the system when you undo the cap, this will help deflect it away from your body to avoid scalding. You're going to push down and twist to remove the cap. It has a spring in it that creates a seal. So what you're going to do is push down to overcome the spring and twist it just like that."