What is the difference between an intercooler and a radiator?

[Courtney]

The differences between an intercooler and a radiator are as follows: 1. Essential difference: The intercooler is actually an accessory for turbocharging, whose function is to reduce the temperature of the high-temperature air after pressurization, thereby reducing the thermal load on the engine, increasing the intake volume, and consequently enhancing the engine's power. For turbocharged engines, the intercooler is a crucial component of the turbocharging system. The radiator, on the other hand, is an important component in hot water (or steam) heating systems. 2. Different classifications: Intercoolers are generally made of aluminum alloy materials. Depending on the cooling medium, common intercoolers can be divided into two types: air-cooled and water-cooled. Radiators are classified by heat exchange method into radiant radiators and convective radiators.