What is the function of a car radiator?
2 Answers
The functions of a car radiator are: 1. When the engine temperature is high, the liquid expands and part of the coolant flows into the auxiliary radiator through the radiator cap; 2. When the temperature drops and the cooling system pressure becomes negative, the system draws the coolant from the auxiliary radiator back into the cooling system through the radiator cap. The car radiator is a crucial component of the vehicle's cooling system, playing a vital role in the overall heat dissipation of the car. The radiator has corresponding markings indicating the liquid level, which can visually guide the current water level in the radiator. It is necessary to regularly check the liquid level in the auxiliary radiator to determine if the radiator is short of water.
Having driven for decades, I know the radiator plays a crucial role—it's like the car's giant temperature regulator. Once the engine starts, it generates intense heat, and the coolant in the radiator gets to work, circulating continuously to absorb that heat. The heat is carried to the front of the radiator, where the fan blows or airflow cools it down. If the radiator malfunctions—say, cracks and leaks or gets clogged with debris—the coolant drains away, causing the engine temperature to skyrocket instantly. This can fry components or even wreck the entire engine. Once, my radiator leaked on the highway, and the temperature gauge shot up, forcing me to pull over and wait for a tow truck. Since then, I’ve been meticulous about maintenance: checking coolant levels and color every six months, replacing it if it’s murky; during hot summers, I frequently inspect the radiator fins to ensure no debris blocks airflow. Regular radiator cleaning extends its lifespan and prevents major overheating issues.