Every car is equipped with several systems that help it run smoothly. These systems handle the vehicle's electrical needs, its fuel distribution and combustion, and its heating and cooling. One of the most important pieces of the heating and cooling system is the radiator. Although the design of the radiator can vary from vehicle to vehicle, its purpose does not. Learn how peripheral parts contribute to the radiator's success
The main function of the radiator is to redistribute heat created by the operation of the engine so it doesn't seize up or overheat. This is achieved primarily through the radiator's design. The radiator is folded much like an accordion bellows, giving it a great deal of surface area. When hot coolant travels into the radiator, the heat held within the fluid escapes through the radiator's walls. The radiator's large surface area allows this process to happen quickly. After the radiator cools the fluid, the fluid can be cycled back to the engine and the process is repeated.
The second main function of the radiator is to provide heat to the cab of the vehicle. This is done through the heater core, which is one of the two main components of the radiator. When a driver or passenger turns on the heat on the dashboard, the heater blower blows the heat from the radiator into the cab. If the radiator heater core is malfunctioning, it can be bypassed so the car does not overheat. This also means, however, that no heat will be sent into the cab, which is not desirable.
Engines need to run at a fairly constant temperature. The pressure in the radiator system, and the redistribution of heat from the coolant, helps the radiator ensure that the engine's temperature doesn't deviate from the optimum, prolonging engine life.
Several peripheral parts keep the radiator's cooling and heating system operating smoothly. The radiator cap keeps pressure in the system, contaminants like dirt and chemicals out of the system and ensures that coolant will travel to the expansion recovery tank and back to the engine. Overflow tanks serve as catch basins, collecting any fluid that spills out of the system, should the system happen to get too hot or have too much fluid in it.
Because the radiator is so vital to the operation of the engine, proper maintenance is crucial. Check the amount of radiator fluid frequently and add fluid if needed to prevent the radiator from overheating and developing cracks. Keep an eye on the radiator cap, which keeps the system clean and maintains proper pressure in the system. Lastly, maintain all of the hoses that run from the radiator. A worn hose or gasket can result in a loss of fluid and damage the system. If smoke ever enters your cab, it's probably burning coolant, which indicates a heating and cooling problem caused by the lack of enough fluid or a bad part.
