Before you can replace the radiator in your vehicle you need to know the size of your radiator core. Radiators come in two different designs: down flow and cross flow. In down flow radiators, the coolant trickles down through the radiator, where it is cooled. In cross flow radiators, coolant is pumped through the radiator from side to side. You must use a different method for measuring the radiator core of down flow and cross flow designed radiators.
Determine if the radiator in your vehicle uses a down flow or cross flow. To determine the type of radiator in your vehicle, look for the position of the two coolant tanks on the radiator. In a down flow design, one coolant tank is on the top of the radiator core, and the other is on the bottom. In a cross flow design, the coolant tanks are located on the left and right of the radiator core.
Measure the width of a down flow radiator by stretching a tape measure from one side of the radiator core to the other. Do not include any brackets securing the radiator in the car.
Stretch a tape measure between the two coolant tanks on a cross flow radiator to determine the radiator core width. Do not include the coolant tanks in determining the measurement of the radiator core.
