Radiators

The primary function of a car's radiator is allowing the engine to continue to run without overheating and breaking down. In most cars, the radiator is located under the hood, towards the front and next to the engine. As the car engine generates a large amount of heat, the radiator is essential to the cooling system. The entire cooling system incorporates the radiator, pressure cap, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, and hoses.

So, how do radiators work? When the temperature reaches a certain level, the thermostat tells the radiator to release liquid coolant, or antifreeze, to the engine block. Coolant is a fluid combination of antifreeze and water, enabling proper heat absorption while increasing the boiling point. As the coolant passes these engine components, it picks up heat, thus preventing overheating. The hot coolant then returns to the radiator, where the hot liquid is cooled down by air flow entering the engine compartments and will eventually circulate back to the engine to repeat the process.

Coolant temperature is important as it helps measure the temperature of the engine, which is a reflection of optimal performance. The radiator cools as it blows air across the coolant. This process works by the radiator passing coolant through thin metal fins, allowing the heat to flow to the air outside your car. In some cases, there is a fan that will blow air across the radiator carrying the hot air out of your car.

Maintaining your cooling system by flushing and refilling the coolant periodically and checking for coolant leaks and pressure issues will ensure more effective cooling.

Some signs of a failing radiator include the temperature gage increasing abnormally, smoke coming from the hood of your car, green liquid leaking from underneath your car and rust in the cooling system. A leaky radiator could lead to coolant and transmission fluid mixing, which is a serious problem.

You may also want to consider an upgraded radiator if you have modified your car's engine for high performance.

A radiator is a type of heat exchanger. It is designed to transfer heat from the hot coolant that flows through it to the air blown through it by the fan. If the radiator cannot perform this primary function of exchanging heat, it can damage some parts of your car's engine. If you find your vehicle is not being sufficiently cooled even after maintenance, you may require a replacement radiator.

Parts that may require replacing include the radiator core, the pressure cap, outlet and inlet tanks and transmission cooler. The radiator core is the largest part of the radiator and provides its primary function. It consists of a large metal block with small metal fins that allow the coolant to vent heat to the air surrounding the radiators.

Over time, like anything, your radiator will become old and brittle and eventually need replacing. This can vary from car to car, depending on your car's cooling system. However usually a radiator should last a minimum of 3 years and up to 8 to 10 years. If you notice any of the above failing radiator signs, such as gage increasing and liquid leaking from your car, you may need to look for a replacement radiator.