What material is an automobile radiator made of?

[Arya]

Automobile radiators are made of aluminum, copper, or plastic, but aluminum radiators are gradually replacing copper radiators. The main reason is that copper is more affected by fluctuations in material market prices. To produce cost-effective vehicles, automakers prefer aluminum radiators. An automobile radiator, also known as a heat exchanger, is a key component in the vehicle's cooling system. Its function is to dissipate heat—coolant absorbs heat in the water jacket, flows to the radiator to release the heat, and then returns to the water jacket to circulate, regulating temperature. The cooling system's purpose is to dissipate excess and unnecessary heat from the engine, ensuring it operates within normal temperature ranges under various speeds or driving conditions.

[DeKeira]

I've always been fascinated by the materials used in car radiators. As far as I know, they're typically made of aluminum alloy because aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity, is lightweight, and rust-resistant. The manufacturing process is quite meticulous, involving welding or bonding aluminum sheets and pipes to form a multi-layer cooling structure; plastic end caps are sometimes added to the top and sides to reduce weight and cost. Modern cars mostly use this design, which is more efficient than the old-fashioned copper radiators - copper is too heavy and prone to corrosion. Regular cleaning can extend its lifespan and prevent engine overheating issues.

[ValerieMarie]

I've driven quite a few cars and found that radiator materials are crucial, mainly aluminum components paired with plastic attachments. Aluminum conducts heat quickly for efficient heat dissipation, preventing engine overheating; plastic reduces weight, saving costs and being durable. Poor-quality materials can lead to corrosion and coolant leakage, causing major issues, so it's important to change the coolant regularly for maintenance.

[EloiseLynn]

Looking back at automotive history, early radiators were mostly made of copper due to its excellent thermal conductivity, despite being heavy and expensive. Nowadays, aluminum alloy has become popular for being lightweight, energy-efficient, and corrosion-resistant, with plastics playing a supplementary role for added practicality. This evolution reflects significant progress, with notable improvements in both safety and efficiency.