Radiators

It plays a very important role in your engine cooling system. It is a heat exchanger which when combined with the rest of the cooling system keeps your car engine running at a suitable operating temperature.

Today’s petrol engines have come a long way however they are still very, very inefficient. A significant amount of heat is generated by a running car engine. A mixture of engine coolant and water transfers this heat to the car radiator which transfers it to the air passing over the radiator. This transfer of heat prevents a myriad of problems such as pre-ignition, blown head gasket or cam seizure. With more heat comes more pressure and old radiator hoses or worn radiator may burst with an increase in pressure.

The leading cause of car breakdown is cooling system failure - and that generally involves some form of radiator fault in the form of a leak or a blockage. Your radiator is actually a very durable piece of equipment as long as it's cared for properly. This is why you should have your cooling system serviced every 12 months. See the radiator maintenance below for how to avoid a breakdown.

+Topping up of coolant- Get the ready mixed coolant if you are not sure on the recommended amount of water level require to mix with the coolant, it varies from different brand. Excessive of Glycol will results corrosion on gasket seal.

Types Of Car Radiators– Plastic / Aluminium (top) It’s more than likely that your radiator is made from plastic tanks and an aluminium core. As radiators are exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods it is not uncommon for the plastic tanks to fatigue and crack causing a leak.


Copper / Brass  If your car was built prior to the mid 1980’s there’s a good chance it comprises of brass tanks and a copper core. You will not find these radiators in newer cars as these materials have a high production cost now days. Copper cores are susceptible to corrosion so you can expect a lifespan of around 4-5 years.

– Aluminium (Top) This car radiator is made from aluminium tanks and an aluminium core. These types are usually on found in performance vehicles that require a lighter and more efficient unit. Aluminium is extremely difficult

to repair so a small leak could mean a replacement radiator is necessary.

– Cross Flow & Down Flow Radiators

Cross flow radiators have the tanks located on the sides of the core. The water pump provides pressure to push the coolant across the core from right to left. Down flow radiators have the tanks located at the top and bottom of the core. Gravity, together with a little help from the water pump push the coolant down through the tubes.

Other Cooling System Components


The Radiator Cap

It is the access point to the system where coolant can be added. The cap also regulates pressure, allowing it to build up and be maintained at a level which raises the boiling point of the coolant or anti-freeze.

Overflow Bottle

Coolant expands as the temperature of the engine increases. When this occurs in the cooling systems the excess coolant flows into the overflow or expansion bottle. Subsequently, as the coolant cools down the coolant is drawn back into the cooling system thus ensuring no air is introduced into the system.

Radiator Hoses

Radiator hoses carry the coolant between the radiator and the engine. These link the radiator to the engine and carry coolant to and from.

Cooling Fan

When the vehicle is stationary but running, air still needs to pass over the radiator to cool the engine. This is where the fan comes in.

Thermostat

The thermostat is a valve which restricts coolant flow when the engine is cold. This allows the engine to heat up to its most efficient temperature as quickly as possible.

Water Pump

The water pump circulates coolant through the cooling system taking heated coolant from the engine to the radiator and cool coolant from the radiator back to the engine.