Top Picks For Radiator Related Parts

A vehicle's engine produces power by burning fuel inside the cylinder, which creates a tremendous amount of heat. It is essential to vent this heat to protect the engine and its components from damage. Therefore, radiators are used in vehicles as a part of the cooling system, which acts as heat exchangers. To prevent the engine from overheating, the cooling system of the vehicle pumps the coolant around the engine, which carries away the heat generated by the combustion process. The coolant, carrying the heat from the engine, is then circulated to the core of the radiator where the coolant passes through thin metal fins and gets cooled by the upcoming air. The radiator is also equipped with a fan that blows air when the vehicle is not moving or during heavy engine load conditions. The radiator comprises an upper tank connected to the coolant outlet from the engine and a lower tank connected to the coolant inlet through the water pump. Radiators can be of tubular and cellular types. In tubular type radiators, the upper and lower tank of the radiator is connected by tubes. These tubes are surrounded by fins that cool the hot coolant. Cellular type radiators feature numerous individual air cells around which the coolant flows and gets cooled. Cellular type radiators are widely used in vehicles and are also known as honeycomb radiators.

The radiator fan sits between your engine and the radiator and blows air towards the radiator to lower the temperature of the coolant. The radiator fans play an important role in keeping your car engine cool when your car is moving too slow and the upcoming air isn't sufficient for cooling. It comprises a fan, a fan shroud, and an electric motor. The motor of the radiator fan assembly is powered by the engine's electrical system and the engine's computer decides when the radiator fan will turn off or on depending on the temperature readings using thermal sensors. Radiator fans are of two types: pusher and puller fans. Fans attached on the front, on the grille side, are called pusher fans and they push the air through the radiator core. Puller fans are located at the back of the radiator, on the engine side, and they pull the air through the radiator core. Puller fans are more efficient compared to pusher ones and are widely used in vehicles.

Radiator fan assembly failure can occur due to several reasons, including vehicle age and mileage. Furthermore, the high levels of traffic and frequent stop-and-go conditions can cause the electric motor to fail or burn out before other parts, like the radiator fan. If you know the telltale signs and symptoms of a failing radiator fan assembly, you might be able to prevent the engine from overheating and facing serious damage. Some symptoms include the radiator fan not turning on, vehicle overheating, and noises from the radiator fan due to a broken blade. If you suspect that your radiator fan assembly is having an issue, get it checked and replaced to keep the engine at safe temperatures while driving.

A radiator cap serves the important purpose of keeping the cooling system pressurized and raises the boiling point of the coolant. The radiator carries a hot coolant, which has to be cooled before it is returned to the engine. When the coolant heats, it expands and increases in volume, creating more pressure on the system. A pressure spring in the radiator cap compresses when the cooling system pressure increases above the rated cap pressure and allows the coolant to escape into the reservoir tank. The radiator cap also features a vacuum valve that allows the coolant to flow from the reservoir tank back into the radiator when the temperature drops. Furthermore, it also prevents any air from entering the system, keeping the cooling system functioning properly at optimum pressure and temperature.

A radiator cap is an inexpensive part but is often overlooked, which can be the cause of engine overheating. Some symptoms that indicate a faulty radiator cap are collapsed hose, overflowing reservoir, engine overheating, and leaking coolant. The radiator caps also serve as pressure relief valves and any failure can lead to excessive pressure in the system, thus causing damage to the radiator, heater core, hoses, or pump seal. Therefore, if you notice any of these symptoms, the first thing is to replace your radiator cap. It is also recommended to always change your radiator cap while going for a new radiator.

A radiator hose is a rubber pipe designed to ensure the proper transfer of the coolant between the radiator and the engine. An engine cooling system comprises two hoses, upper and lower radiator hose, each designed for different purposes. A lower radiator hose transfers cold coolant from the radiator to the engine and is connected to the water pump housing. These radiator hoses are made from synthetic rubber to resist vibration and withstand heat and pressure generated by the cooling system. As the water pump operates, it draws coolant from the radiator to the engine, thus creating low pressure which causes the hose to collapse. Therefore, the lower radiator hose is provided with a wound wire spring on the inside of the hose which prevents it from collapsing.

An upper radiator hose transfers the hot coolant from the engine to the radiator and is also known as the pressure hose. Therefore, the upper and the lower hoses are designed for different coolant temperatures and cannot be interchanged. The upper radiator hose is also connected to the thermostat, which opens up when the coolant gets heated and starts the coolant flow through the upper hose to the radiator.

Both the upper and lower radiator hoses sit under the hood and are subject to hot temperatures, dirt, water, and external conditions. Over time, these factors deteriorate the radiator hoses, leading to several problems like leaking coolant, engine overheating, low coolant level, and a broken or cracked radiator hose. Although manufacturers do not recommend a replacement interval for the radiator hose, a simple visual inspection can tell you the condition of your radiator hoses. A hose in a good condition should not feel spongy and its end should not be cracked or frayed. If you notice these issues, your radiator hose might be in a bad condition and should be replaced to ensure the proper functioning of your vehicle's cooling system.