Function of an Automotive Radiator?
2 Answers
Automotive radiator is the main component of the cooling system, designed to protect the engine from damage caused by overheating. More details about automotive radiators are as follows: 1. An automotive radiator consists of three parts: the inlet tank, outlet tank, and radiator core. Coolant flows inside the radiator core while air passes outside the radiator. The hot coolant cools down by dissipating heat to the air, and the cold air heats up by absorbing the heat from the coolant. 2. Based on the direction of coolant flow, radiators can be classified into two types: vertical flow and cross flow; the core structure of radiators mainly includes tube-fin and tube-band types.
From my years of driving experience, the radiator is the guardian angel of the engine, preventing it from overheating and going out of control. During long-distance drives or summer traffic jams, the engine temperature spikes too quickly, and the antifreeze in the radiator circulates, carrying the heat to the front where the fan blows the temperature away. Without proper maintenance, the antifreeze might leak or get clogged, causing the engine to burn out, which would be extremely costly to repair. I usually make it a habit to check the radiator water level monthly and add an appropriate amount of coolant to avoid overheating and stalling accidents. Additionally, the radiator works in tandem with the fan—if you hear any unusual noises, it's best to get it checked at the shop immediately. Safety first, after all. In short, it's like installing an air conditioning system for the car, keeping the engine cool and running smoothly.