Car Radiators and Their Functions

A radiator is an integral part of a vehicle’s cooling system. Its main function is to dissipate the heat from the coolant that flows through it so the coolant can, in turn, keep the engine’s temperature at optimum levels. Most modern radiators are made of aluminum, while some are made of copper.

Aluminum radiators are produced by brazing aluminum tubes to thin aluminum fins. Manufacturers ensure that their products are 100 percent aluminum to eliminate dissimilar metals and solder bloom problems that come with the copper variety. The majority of aluminum radiators use one-inch wide tubes. However, some manufacturers use 1.25-inch or 1.5-inch tubes to help dissipate the heat quicker.

Radiators usually have a water tank on each of their sides. Inside one of these tanks—usually on the right—is a transmission cooler. Think of a transmission cooler as a radiator within a radiator. The difference is that, instead of the coolant exchanging heat with the air, the transmission oil exchanges heat with the coolant in the radiator.

If you’re in the market for a new radiator, weight, appearance, innovation, and cost will need to be considered before you finalize your choice. Hopefully, the information above will help you choose the right radiator for your car.