What is a Radiator?
Every car has a complex cooling system which has been designed to ensure that a car’s engine operates at the correct temperature. A radiator is the main part of the car’s cooling system. Located at the front of the engine, this can be defined as a heat exchanger which lowers the temperature of the coolant in the engine.
Why are Radiators important?
Radiators are important because they keep the car from overheating. Every car engine comprises many moving parts which generate a lot of friction. This naturally generates excess heat energy besides the heat from fuel burned in the engine. Radiators bring down this heat. Improper maintenance of the radiator can lead to overheating and damage to the engine resulting in many expensive repairs.
What are the key types of Radiators?
There are two basic types of car radiators, the Tubular Type and the Cellular Type. In the tubular type core, a series of tubes link the upper and lower tanks and water passes through these tubes. Fins are placed around these tubes for better heat transfer. When air moves round the tubes and in between the fins, this absorbs the heat from the water. The Cellular Type is also known as a Honeycomb Radiator as it has many individual air cells that are surrounded by water. Here, the air passes via tubes and the water between them.
The different types of car radiators are brass, copper, plastic and aluminium. Copper and brass were the most commonly used materials for radiators till the 1980’s. Copper is expensive and can get corroded, so it has got phased out. Brass is expensive and difficult to mass produce. Therefore, modern cars shifted to the use of plastic or aluminium.
An aluminum radiator comprises both a core and tank made of aluminum. This is a lightweight material and designed to meet the needs of high-performance cars and enhance them. Plastic is used but not much favoured as it’s not as durable as aluminium.
When to replace?
When a radiator is properly maintained, it can last for years. However, if you spot problems such as overheating, presence of air in the cooling system, leaking coolant, water pump failure and so on, you must replace the radiator. Check with your mechanic.
Why is it important to buy a quality radiator?
When you buy a good quality radiator, you are buying peace of mind and protection for your car’s expensive parts. You will find the finish of high quality, strong construction, thicker material and uniform fin. These are easy to service as they have been designed that way. Above all, they perform better and are more durable. To get a wide range of high quality Toyota Innova Radiator, Toyota Etios Radiator, Renault Kwid Radiator, Honda City Radiator, Mahindra Logan/Verito Radiator, Maruti Swift Radiator, Mahindra Bolero Radiator or a radiator brand for any other car, you can find it at motrparts.com.