What is the function of an automobile radiator?
2 Answers
The function of an automobile radiator is to protect the engine, preventing damage caused by overheating and maintaining the engine within an appropriate temperature range. The radiator is a heat exchanger where coolant flows inside the radiator core while air passes outside the radiator core. The hot coolant cools down by dissipating heat to the air, while the cold air heats up by absorbing the heat released from the coolant. Relevant information about automobile radiators is as follows: 1. The radiator is the main component of the cooling system. The principle of the radiator is to use cold air to lower the temperature of the coolant coming from the engine inside the radiator. 2. The radiator consists of two main parts: radiator fins made up of small flat tubes and overflow tanks located at the top, bottom, or sides of the radiator fins.
I think the car radiator is like a super cooling fan, specifically designed to cool the engine and prevent it from overheating. Every time I drive long distances, especially when climbing mountains in summer or stuck in traffic, the engine gets as hot as an oven. But the radiator dissipates the heat into the outside air by circulating coolant. Once the coolant starts flowing and the fan kicks in, the temperature drops. If the radiator gets clogged or leaks, causing insufficient coolant, the engine can overheat—mild cases may result in smoke and stalling, while severe cases can lead to engine failure with terrifyingly high repair costs. That's why I always remind myself to regularly check the coolant level, flush the radiator every few tens of thousands of kilometers, and top up with antifreeze to prevent corrosion issues. With proper maintenance, the car runs smoothly and worry-free.
