Although most people have heard of a radiator, they may not be aware of its purpose or importance. Put simply, the radiator is the central component of a vehicle’s cooling system. Its main function is to monitor and regulate a vehicle’s engine temperature and prevent it from overheating.
What Is A Radiator In A Car?
A radiator is the key component of the engine’s cooling system. Its main role is to disperse a mix of antifreeze and water throughout its fins, which releases some of the engine’s heat while taking in cool air before continuing to pass the rest of the engine.
Alongside the radiator is the spur line, water pump, and fan clutch. Each of these plays a different role in aiding the radiator to keep the engine cool. The spur line dispatches warm coolant to the heater core to produce hot air when needed, while the water pump sends the coolant to flow throughout the engine.
Most importantly is the role of the fan clutch, which is to bring more air into the radiator and help lower the temperature of the antifreeze and water mixture.
How Does A Car Radiator Work?
A vehicle’s engine gives it the power it needs through the burning of fuel and the creation of energy from its many moving parts. This power and movement can generate a tremendous amount of heat throughout the engine. It is essential to vent this heat from the engine during operation to avoid overheating, which can result in severe damage.
Car radiators work to eliminate heat from the engine. The process begins when the thermostat in the front of the engine detects excess heat. Then, coolant and water get released from the radiator and sent through the engine to absorb this heat.
Once the liquid picks up excess heat, it is sent back to the radiator, where air blows across it to cool it down.
The radiator utilizes thin metal fins during the process, which are effective at allowing heat to quickly escape to the air outside the car. These fins are often working alongside the fan that’s blowing air across the radiator.
Cool air flows into the radiator through the car’s grille to aid in this process, and when the vehicle isn’t moving, such as when you’re idling in traffic, the system’s fan will blow air to help reduce the heated coolant’s temperature and blow the hot air out of the car.
After the coolant passes through the radiator, it recirculates through the engine. This heat exchange cycle is continuous to maintain an optimal operating temperature and prevent the engine from overheating.
Parts of a Radiator
There are a few main parts that make up the radiator, and each plays a role in the cooling process. They are:
- Core: The core is the largest part of the radiator. It’s a metal block that features the metal cooling fins that help vent the air. The core is where hot liquid releases heat and gets cooled before being sent through the process again.
- Pressure cap: The pressure cap works to help seal the cooling system so it can remain pressurized. Coolant in the radiator is pressurized to prevent the coolant from boiling. It also keeps the system more efficient.
- Inlet and outlet tanks: These tanks are where coolant flows in and out of the radiator and are located in the radiator head. Hot liquid flows from the engine through the inlet tank, and once it is cooled, goes out through the outlet tank and back into the engine.
- Radiator hoses: Coolant moves to and from the engine via the radiator hoses. They are important for connecting the inlet and outlet tanks to the radiator and the engine.
Signs of a Failing Radiator
Several symptoms can indicate your radiator is going bad. Keep an eye out for the following:
#1. Overheated Engine.
A common sign that something is wrong with the radiator is when your engine starts to overheat. This can be caused by a faulty thermostat. When a defective thermostat no longer opens, the engine will overheat and cause a breakdown.
#2. Radiator Leaking Coolant.
You might notice coolant leaking under the vehicle. It can be a red, yellow, or green fluid. When the radiator is leaking, coolant levels become too low, and when there isn’t enough coolant to reduce the heat, the engine might become too hot.
Radiators are made of metal and plastic. And because plastic isn’t as durable as metal, it’s typical for these components to become brittle and start cracking—hence the leaks.
Related Post: What Causes A Radiator Leak and How To Fix Them?
#3. Discolored Or Sludgy Coolant.
Vehicle coolant is commonly bright yellow or green. Sometimes it can be pink or red. It flows freely between the radiator and the coolant passages located in your car’s engine. If you have a bad radiator, deposits and sludge can contaminate the coolant and turn it into a rusty color—it may even look like oil.
Look in your coolant overflow tank and inspect the color. If it’s contaminated, it may also appear thicker. This causes trouble with the flow and leads to a clogged radiator. A radiator flush might be a solution in this case.
#4. Lack Of Coolant.
The level of coolant will decrease if your radiator is leaking. Your engine will overheat if the coolant level falls too low because it will be unable to perform its function. In addition, driving with a low coolant level can cause severe damage to your engine.
#5. Damaged Or Clogged Radiator Fins.
Radiator fins are thin metal blades that protrude from the sides and back of the radiator. They help dissipate heat by providing more surface area for air to circulate. Over time, damage to these fins can occur from normal driving conditions or road debris. Once damaged, they no longer provide adequate cooling, and your engine will overheat.
Radiator Failure
An engine can overheat whenever it operates in sweltering weather. However, the risk of overheating goes up considerably if the radiator is low on coolant or there is a leak in one of its hoses.
Other possible radiator failures include a malfunctioning thermostat, a mechanical issue with the fan, or a faulty pressure cap that cannot pressurize the system, resulting in an overflow of coolant. In any of these cases, the engine can overheat, resulting in severe damage.
To avoid costly repairs, car owners should be aware of the signs of radiator failure. Symptoms include:
- An unusual rise and fall in the instrument cluster temperature gauge
- The sight or smell of smoke coming from under the hood of the car
- Any amount of green liquid (coolant or antifreeze) collecting under the vehicle
- Visual evidence of rust on the components of the cooling system
A professional mechanic should examine the cooling system and radiator if any of these symptoms become apparent.
How to Maintain Your Radiator
Just as with other parts of your vehicle, your radiator will also need to be checked and cared for regularly. Here are some tips for maintaining the radiator of your vehicle.
- Take caution when checking the level of coolant and the radiator! Please bear in mind, you should never open the radiator cap or the heater hose connector cap when the engine is running, as hot coolant can erupt and cause burns and other injuries. When checking the coolant, turn off the engine and wait for it to cool. Then, slowly and carefully open the cap with a thick cloth.
- When refilling the coolant level during the freezing winter season, it is crucial to add antifreeze and make sure they match at a 5:5 ratio. Otherwise, cool water can freeze within the engine. In addition, adding antifreeze with coolant can prevent the radiator grille or related parts from corroding.
- To prevent harmful particles or rust erosion, be sure to clear out the radiator at least once every 30,000 kms or 12 months(It is recommended to check the owner’s manual).
- Each time you change your oil, it is also recommended to take a look at your radiator hoses to see if there are any noticeable cracks or leaks.
- Lastly, if any electrical work was done on your vehicle when installing your radiator or heater, you should check to see if there are any stray currents as they can cause corrosion which can lead to radiator failure.