What is a Radiator in a Car?
Although most people have heard of a radiator, they may not be aware of its purpose or importance. In the simplest terms, the radiator is the central component of a vehicle's cooling system. Its primary function is to monitor and regulate a vehicle engine's temperature and prevent it from overheating.
The engine in a vehicle burns fuel and creates energy, which generates heat. Venting this heat away from engine parts is important to prevent damage.
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, which works to blow air across it and cool it down, exchanging the heat with the air outside the vehicle.
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.
Where Is the Radiator in a Car?
The radiator is located under the hood and in front of the engine. The coolant reservoir is located next to these components as well.
How Does a 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.
A radiator helps to eliminate excess heat from the engine. It is part of the engine's cooling system, which also includes a liquid coolant, hoses to circulate the coolant, a fan, and a thermostat that monitors the coolant temperature. The coolant travels through the hoses from the radiator, through the engine to absorb the excess engine heat, and back to the radiator.
Once it returns to the radiator, thin metal fins release the heat from the coolant to the outside air as the hot liquid passes through it. 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.
Signs of a Failing Radiator
A few signs that your radiator specifically is having issues can include:
Leaking coolant: Cracks or leaks in the radiator will cause coolant to appear on the ground underneath your vehicle. This can happen when your vehicle is parked or when you’re driving. If you notice this or low coolant levels, you might have a crack in your radiator.
Discolored coolant or sludge: Coolant is usually a thin consistency and colored green or yellow. Rust and debris from a failing radiator might cause contamination in the fluid which can turn it into a dark or rusty color. It also might become thicker and create sludge, which can prevent it from cooling the engine.
Overheating: A vehicle consistently overheating could be a radiator issue, since the radiator is the way engine heat is removed.
Bent or damaged fins: Airflow can get blocked to the radiator if the fins on it get bent or damaged. This can be caused by gravel hitting them while driving or if too much water pressure is used while cleaning them.
Ways 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, that 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 km or 12 months.
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.