How to clean the engine water tank
The engine water tank is the core component of the vehicle cooling system. After long-term use, it is easy to accumulate scale, rust stains and impurities, affecting the heat dissipation efficiency. Regular cleaning of the water tank can extend the life of the engine and improve driving safety. This article will introduce the cleaning steps, precautions and common problems in detail, and attach hot topic data in the past 10 days for reference.
1. The necessity of cleaning the engine water tank

A clogged water tank will cause the engine to overheat, increase fuel consumption, and even cause failure. The following are common problems caused by not cleaning in time:
| Question type | possible consequences |
|---|---|
| Limescale accumulation | Heat dissipation efficiency drops by 30%-50% |
| rust | Increased risk of pipe rupture |
| Impurity deposition | Coolant circulation blocked |
2. Detailed explanation of cleaning steps
1.Preparation tools: Antifreeze, water tank cleaner, rubber gloves, soft brush, water container.
2.Drain old coolant: After turning off the flame, open the water tank drain valve and use a container to collect the waste liquid (pay attention to environmentally friendly disposal).
3.Add cleaning agent: Inject the cleaning agent into the water tank according to the instruction manual, and add water until it is full.
4.Start the engine: Run at idle speed for 10-15 minutes to allow the cleaning agent to fully circulate.
5.Second rinse: After draining the liquid, rinse repeatedly with clean water 2-3 times until there is no foam.
6.Add new coolant: Select antifreeze that meets the vehicle model standards and add it to the MAX mark.
| Vehicle usage scenarios | Recommended cleaning intervals |
|---|---|
| Daily commute in the city | Every 2 years or 40,000 kilometers |
| Hot and dusty areas | per year or 20,000 kilometers |
| high performance vehicles | every 1.5 years |
3. Precautions
• The engine needs to be completely cooled during cleaning to avoid burns
• Do not use strong acid or alkali cleaners as they will corrode aluminum parts
• Be sure to drain away residual water after rinsing to prevent freezing in winter
• If the water tank is found to be severely corroded, it is recommended to replace it with a new one
4. Hot topics in car maintenance in the past 10 days
| Hot search keywords | Discussion popularity | Related questions |
|---|---|---|
| New energy vehicle maintenance | Average daily search volume: 12,000 | Battery cooling system maintenance |
| Air conditioning odor in summer | The short video has been viewed more than 8 million times | Evaporation box cleaning method |
| Oil change interval | 1200+ controversial posts on the forum | Fully synthetic vs semi-synthetic |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use white vinegar to clean the water tank?
A: Diluted white vinegar (ratio 1:3) can be used for temporary emergency, but long-term use will accelerate the aging of rubber parts.
Q: Is the water temperature gauge still high after cleaning?
A: Possible reasons: ① Thermostat failure ② Abnormal water pump ③ The cooling fan is damaged and requires professional maintenance.
Q: Price comparison between self-cleaning and professional maintenance?
| way | cost range | Time consuming |
|---|---|---|
| DIY cleaning | 50-150 yuan (material fee) | 2-3 hours |
| 4S store service | 300-600 yuan | 1 hour |
Cooling system performance can be significantly improved through regular cleaning. It is recommended that car owners develop a maintenance plan based on the vehicle manual and actual vehicle conditions, and seek professional support in a timely manner for complex problems.
check the details
check the details