What is the purpose of a car radiator?

What is the purpose of a car radiator?

The Definition of a Radiator

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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?

There’s an entire cooling system at work under the hood of your car that helps it operate efficiently without overheating. The engine gets very hot while running, so the temperature must be regulated to prevent damage.

There are many parts that make up this cooling system, including the water pump, thermostat, hoses, fans and the radiator. The radiator is a heat exchanger that helps cool the engine.

Process of Cooling

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 expels the heat into the air outside the vehicle through thin metal fins.

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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 helps seal the cooling system to keep it pressurized and more efficient. Without it, the coolant might overheat and cause an overspill.
• Inlet and outlet tanks: Hot coolant flows into the radiator through the inlet tank and cools down before flowing out via the outlet tank.
• Radiator hoses: These connect the engine to the radiator, allowing coolant to flow in and out.

Other Important Cooling System Parts

Other significant components of the cooling system include the water pump, the thermostat, and coolant.

Water Pump

The water pump pushes the coolant through the system. It’s usually operated by the engine drive belt, which turns on the pump, and spinning blades force liquid through the system as needed. Gaskets and seals keep the coolant contained.

Thermostat

The thermostat regulates the engine’s temperature. If the engine needs to be cooled, the thermostat will open to allow an influx of coolant. It closes if the engine is at the proper operating temperature.

Coolant

Coolant is the fluid that gets pumped through the cooling system to prevent the engine from overheating. It also helps lubricate the different parts it contacts. You can read more about how coolant works Exploring the Benefits of Using Green vs Black O-Rings.

Signs of a Failing Radiator

Over time, different parts of the cooling system can begin to wear down. For a more general overview, read up on the most common cooling system problems.

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

Rust and debris from a failing radiator might cause contamination in the fluid that can turn it a dark or rusty color and become thicker, creating sludge that prevents it from cooling the engine.

Overheating

A vehicle consistently overheating could be a radiator issue since the radiator is responsible for removing engine heat.

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 using too much water pressure when cleaning them.

Learn to Work on Car Cooling Systems at UTI

You can learn all about the maintenance and repair of a range of vehicle systems, including cooling systems, when you enroll in the Automotive Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI).

Courses in UTI’s 51-week program can teach you the skills needed for an in-demand career in the industry. You’ll learn how to diagnose cooling system problems and work specifically on radiators.

Get the experience employers are looking for when hiring automotive technicians, and gain knowledge you could use to make repairs on your own vehicle. Request more information today!

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