The car radiator is the main component that maintains the engine temperature without being compromised. In this article we explain what it is, how it works, what types, what the car radiator is for and much more! Continue reading the article!
Car radiator
The car radiator is one of the main components of any vehicle’s cooling system. It is through it and its entire system that the vehicle manages to maintain a ideal temperature for proper engine operation, since this device dissipates heat through a tubular structure connected to the heat dissipation plates.
In most cars, the car radiator is located in front, but there are exceptions. In some air-conditioned cars, the radiator is located behind the intercooler.
What’s the car radiator for?
The car radiator aims to maintain the engine temperature. If you are unable to do so, you run the risk of damage or even break some internal components.
The latest models have a lid that serves as a relief valve when the cooling system is under pressure.
How does the car radiator work?
The car radiator functions as a heat dissipation system. The radiator receives the engine’s hot coolant and cool it down.
The engine cooling system has a thermostat nearby and when the temperature exceeds the ideal the cooling system is activated and the radiator starts.
The radiator operation is divided into three parts:
- Air intake
- Cooling system
- Hot air outlet
When the air passes through the radiator, the temperature of the liquid present there drops. When the thermostat indicates that the engine temperature is high, the circuit “opens” and the coolant circulates through the engine channels and substantially reduces the temperature.
What are the types of radiators?
- Aluminum radiators;
- Bronze radiators;
- Copper radiators;
- Copper-Brass alloy radiators.
Within these 4 types of radiators, we can find different structures:
- Tubular: Small flat tubes joined by heat dissipation plates.
- Water Sheet: The tubes are rectangular and the cooling filaments are arranged zigzag for better heat distribution.
- Honeycomb: This name derives from its design as it is similar to honeycombs Tubes are in zigzag for better efficiency in cooling .
In each of these structures, the coolant flow can have two directions:
- Transversal or crossed: The tanks are located on the sides of the tubular structure, and the liquid flows from one end to the other through the tubes to dissipate the heat.
- Descending: The tanks are located at the top and bottom of the radiator and the liquid flows from the top to the bottom, dissipating the heat in the process.
What are the common problems of the car radiator?
- Rust.
- External obstruction with debris from the road
- Obstruction in radiator tubes
- Damage from impacts to the road
- Coolant leak
- Overheating damage
What care should you take with the car radiator?
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Check the coolant level
No water should be placed in the car radiator, coolant should be added and checked frequently.
This care is even more important on summer days, as the vehicle reaches high temperatures.
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Check the quality of the antifreeze liquid
Antifreeze liquid increases the liquid boiling point to hinder the evaporation process and to decrease the freezing point.
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Check the car radiator tubes
Tube must be inspected regularly so that it can be seen if there is accumulation of impurities or some type of cracks that compromise the engine performance. If this is the case, it must be replaced.
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Regular cleaning
Debris accumulation can damage the radiator. You should do a regular cleaning not allowing impurities to accumulate.
How to clean the radiator?
The radiator can be cleaned homemade or by a mechanic. To clean the inside of the car radiator you must follow the following steps:
- Remove the liquid present in the radiator by the drain plug located at the bottom of the radiator;
- Pour a specific radiator cleaning additive inside it.
- Start the vehicle with hot air on for a maximum of 5 minutes.
- Switch off the engine and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- Reopen the drain plug and remove the liquid
- Fill the radiator coolant.
What is the price of a radiator?
A radiator, depending on the model and brand, can cost between 30 € and 350 €.
We remind you that this component must be installed in a workshop ensuring any fault.
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