How to Drain a Radiator on a GM Car

If the radiator in your GM vehicle is leaking and you need to repair it or if you just want to change the radiator fluid, you will need to drain the radiator fluid from the vehicle before moving forward. GM has traditionally used a similar style of radiator for all of its vehicles, so draining the radiator fluid will be essentially the same process regardless of which GM vehicle you have.

Instructions

1

Drive your GM vehicle onto a set of automotive ramps. This will give you enough space under the radiator to place a bucket into which the radiator fluid can drain.

2

Locate the radiator drain, otherwise known as the petcock, located near the bottom on one side of the radiator. Use a bucket that can hold at least 3 gallons of fluid and has a lid that can be securely fastened once the bucket has been filled.

3

Remove the plug by turning it counterclockwise until the radiator fluid freely drains from the vehicle and into the bucket. Depending on the age of the GM vehicle, you may need a pair of pliers to work the drain plug loose.

4

Fasten the drain plug back into place once the radiator has stopped draining. Store the radiator fluid somewhere safe so it can be reused if desired.