What Causes One Half of the Car Radiator to be Hot and the Other Half Cool?
2 Answers
It may be due to a damaged water pump or a stuck thermostat that fails to open. Here is the relevant introduction: Radiator: The radiator is part of the car's cooling system. In the engine's water cooling system, the radiator consists of three parts: the inlet chamber, the outlet chamber, the main plate, and the radiator core. The coolant flows inside the radiator core, while air passes outside it. The hot coolant cools down by dissipating heat to the air, and the cold air warms up by absorbing the heat from the coolant. Thus, the radiator functions as a heat exchanger. Aging and Cracking: Over time, the hoses of the engine radiator can age and become prone to cracking, allowing water to easily enter the radiator. If a hose ruptures while driving, the high-temperature water sprayed out can form large clouds of steam escaping from under the engine hood. When this happens, immediately park the car in a safe location and take emergency measures to address the issue.
I've driven several cars and encountered the situation where one half of the radiator is hot while the other half is cool multiple times. This is mainly caused by air bubbles trapped inside or uneven operation of the cooling fan. When air enters the system, it acts like bubbles blocking the path, preventing hot water from flowing to the cooler side. Fan issues are mostly due to aging circuits or deformed fan blades, which require disassembly for inspection. Another possibility is internal blockage in the radiator - over time, accumulated deposits can prevent hot water from passing through, leaving the other side cold. Don't delay addressing this issue, as uneven engine temperatures can easily lead to overheating and pipe bursts. It's recommended to immediately check the fan and pipes after parking, and if necessary, visit a repair shop for air bleeding or cleaning. Regular maintenance with timely coolant replacement can help prevent this problem.