What is the function of an engine radiator?
2 Answers
The function of an engine radiator is to protect the car from damage and keep the engine within an appropriate temperature range. The radiator is the main component of the cooling system, and its principle is to use cold air to lower the temperature of the coolant from the engine inside the radiator, with the aim of protecting the engine from damage caused by overheating. The radiator is part of the automobile cooling system. In the engine water-cooling system, the radiator consists of an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, a main plate, and a radiator core. It uses water as a heat carrier to conduct heat and dissipates it through large-area cooling fins via convection to maintain the engine's proper operating temperature. Daily maintenance and precautions for the radiator: The radiator and the water tank together serve as the car's cooling devices. In terms of their material, they are metal and not corrosion-resistant, so contact with corrosive solutions such as acids and alkalis should be avoided to prevent damage. For car radiators, clogging is a common issue. To reduce the occurrence of clogging, soft water should be used for filling. Hard water should be softened before filling to prevent scale buildup that could clog the car radiator. In winter, cold weather can cause the radiator to freeze, expand, and get damaged, so antifreeze should be added to prevent water from freezing. When adding water to the car radiator, the water tank cap should be opened slowly, and the operator should keep their body as far away as possible from the filling port to avoid being scalded by high-pressure, high-temperature steam or water spray from the outlet.
As a car technician with over 20 years of experience, I've handled countless cooling system failure cases. The radiator is undoubtedly the core bodyguard of engine health. It's responsible for absorbing the high temperatures generated by engine combustion, directing coolant flow through its intricate internal piping. When air passes through the radiator fins, it carries away heat, maintaining the engine at its optimal operating temperature of 90-100 degrees. Without timely cooling, piston rings can seize or deform, and cylinder head cracks may lead to explosion risks. I've seen owners who neglected it end up paying tens of thousands for engine repairs. I recommend checking coolant color and level quarterly, regularly cleaning radiator surface dust and insects with a high-pressure washer, especially before summer high-temperature driving, ensuring proper coordination between the fan and radiator.
