What material is the car radiator made of?

[ThomasDella]

Car radiators are made of plastic. The car radiator, also known as the heat exchanger, is a key component in the car's cooling system. Its function is to dissipate heat: the coolant absorbs heat in the water jacket, flows to the radiator to release the heat, and then returns to the water jacket in a continuous cycle. This achieves the effect of heat dissipation and temperature regulation. It is also an important part of the car engine. Below is relevant information about car radiators: 1. The radiator is a crucial component of water-cooled engines, serving as a major part of the engine's cooling circuit. It absorbs heat from the cylinder block to prevent engine overheating. Due to water's high specific heat capacity, the temperature rise after absorbing heat from the cylinder block is not significant. Thus, the engine's heat is transferred through the liquid cooling circuit, using water as the heat carrier, and then dissipated through large-area cooling fins via convection to maintain the engine's optimal operating temperature. 2. When the engine's water temperature is high, the water pump circulates the coolant repeatedly to lower the engine's temperature. 3. High-temperature coolant enters the radiator, is cooled by air, and then circulates back to the engine cylinder walls to protect the engine. In winter, if the water temperature is too low, the water circulation stops to prevent the engine from becoming too cold.

[LolaFitz]

When it comes to the material of car radiators, they are primarily made of aluminum alloy. My beloved car's radiator is aluminum because it's lightweight, offers excellent heat dissipation, and is rust-resistant. Older vehicles might have used copper radiators in the past—copper is sturdy but too heavy and costly, so it's almost obsolete now. The core part of the radiator consists of aluminum fins and tubes, while the end tanks are often plastic, which is lightweight and inexpensive, helping reduce overall vehicle weight. Radiators play a crucial role in cooling the engine. If the material is subpar or maintenance is neglected—like leaking coolant—it can easily rust or leak, potentially causing severe engine overheating and failure. I recommend regularly checking the coolant level and avoiding flushing with plain water, as it accelerates corrosion and radiator aging. Replacing with an aluminum radiator isn't too expensive, costing just a few hundred bucks, but it significantly boosts the car's cooling efficiency, especially during long summer drives. In short, aluminum alloy is the mainstream choice—eco-friendly and reliable.

[DeMarcus]

I think most car radiators are made of aluminum alloy, which is lightweight and has good heat dissipation. When I took apart my car during the last repair, I saw that the core part was aluminum fins and tubes, while the end tanks were plastic. Plastic prevents rust and is cheaper. The radiator's function is to cool the engine and prevent overheating, but if the aluminum material isn't maintained properly—like using low-quality coolant—it can easily rust or leak. I remember when I bought my new car, the 4S dealership reminded me to change the coolant regularly to extend the radiator's lifespan to over a decade. Why is aluminum so popular now? Copper radiators are too heavy—common in older cars but not fuel-efficient. Modern cars emphasize lightweight design for better fuel economy, and aluminum is lightweight with fast heat dissipation. For example, my SUV uses an aluminum radiator, and even during summer highway drives, there's no overheating warning. If you notice a leak, don't panic—first check if the tank joints are loose. A professional shop can repair or replace the parts. Cost-wise, aluminum radiators are affordable and easy to fix. I recommend friends use genuine coolant for maintenance.

[StEverly]

As for the material of the radiator, most modern cars now use aluminum alloy. Aluminum is lightweight, dissipates heat quickly, and is resistant to rust. The water tanks at both ends are often made of plastic, which is inexpensive and easy to install. In the past, older vehicles commonly used copper radiators—copper is heavy and corrosion-resistant but costly, making it impractical nowadays. The radiator serves to cool the engine and protect the vehicle. Aluminum radiators are low-maintenance; simply replacing the coolant is sufficient, making them hassle-free and reliable for daily driving. Remember to check and top up the water regularly—don't overlook it.