If your car has an internal combustion engine, it also has a radiator to help keep the engine cool. The radiator is a heat exchanger—a device that transfers heat from one place to another. Liquid coolant is pumped through the engine to pick up heat, and then it flows into the radiator, which releases that heat into the air. The radiator is connected to channels in the engine and is usually located behind the front grille. If your radiator is damaged, your car's engine could overheat and suffer serious damage. Get yours repaired or replaced if it isn't working correctly.

What Radiators Do

The radiator's job is to cool down the engine. As coolant circulates through the engine, it absorbs heat to keep the engine from overheating. The hot coolant then flows to the radiator, which transfers this heat to the outside air. This cools the liquid down, allowing it to circle back, absorb more heat, and keep the cooling cycle going. A radiator has tanks on the top and bottom (or sides) made of metal or plastic. These are connected by a core with many thin tubes and fins. This design creates a lot of surface area, which helps the radiator get rid of heat more effectively.

Radiator Components

Radiator Core

The core is the largest part of the radiator, and where the heat exchange happens. It's made of metal and consists of many small tubes and fins.

Pressure Cap

The pressure cap seals the cooling system to prevent coolant from escaping. It also increases the pressure in the system, which raises the coolant's boiling point and helps keep the engine from overheating.

Tanks

Radiators have tanks on each side (or top and bottom). These tanks guide the coolant into the radiator's core to be cooled and then gather it before it flows back to the engine. A separate plastic container, called an overflow tank or reservoir, catches extra coolant that expands when it gets hot.

Outlet and Inlet Hoses

The inlet hose brings hot coolant from the engine to the radiator, while the outlet hose returns the cooled liquid back to the engine.

Transmission Cooler

For cars with automatic transmissions, a transmission cooler helps keep the transmission fluid from overheating. This is often a small, separate radiator built into one of the main radiator's tanks. Hot transmission fluid flows through it to be cooled down.

Maintenance

To help your car's radiator last longer, you can perform these simple tasks:

・Check that you have enough coolant and that it's free from dirt or rust.
・Flush the radiator regularly to remove any debris and buildup.
・Look for any signs of leaks, like puddles under the car or damaged hoses.
・Make sure you use the correct type of coolant recommended for your car. Modern coolants already have additives mixed in to prevent rust and corrosion.
・Make sure your cooling system is in top shape before doing demanding tasks, like towing heavy loads in hot weather, to prevent your engine from overheating.

Symptoms of a Failing Radiator

Overheating

An overheating engine is one of the most common signs of a failing radiator. If your radiator is clogged or not working right, it can't cool the hot fluid coming from the engine. This means hot coolant gets sent back to the engine, causing it to overheat.

Low Coolant Levels and Leaks

Low coolant could also mean you have a bad radiator, especially if there's a leak somewhere in the system. Puddles of coolant on the ground are a clear sign of a leak.

Visible Damage

You may notice obvious damage, such as bent or clogged fins on the radiator. This can block airflow and reduce the radiator's effectiveness in cooling.

Engine Running Hot

When the radiator isn't working correctly, it can't cool your engine efficiently. A clear sign of this is your engine's temperature gauge running hotter than usual, especially when driving in traffic or uphill.

Hissing or Gurgling Sounds

Hissing or gurgling sounds could mean there's air trapped in the system or the coolant isn't flowing correctly. It's a good idea to get this checked out, as it can lead to poor cooling performance.

How to Choose the Right Radiator

Aftermarket or OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) radiators are made by your car's brand or its approved partners. Aftermarket radiators are made by other companies.

We recommend choosing an OEM radiator to get your car back to its original performance. They are often built to higher standards, so they tend to last longer. Also, be aware that installing an aftermarket part could sometimes void your vehicle's warranty.

Vehicle Compatibility

You can purchase a radiator made for your car's specific model to remove any guesswork. To make sure the radiator will fit and work correctly, double-check its size, where the hoses connect, and that it's right for your car's engine and transmission.

Installation and Considerations

Once you've purchased a replacement radiator, you can install it in your car. Follow the steps below to install your new radiator:

First, you will need to drain and flush your car's cooling system. Make sure the engine is cool, then take off the radiator cap. Place a drip pan below the petcock (the small drain valve) before opening it to allow the coolant to drain into the pan. You can then flush the system.

Next, you'll need to disconnect everything from the old radiator. This includes the upper and lower radiator hoses, the small hose to the overflow reservoir, any transmission cooler lines, and electrical wires for the fans. The air conditioning condenser is usually attached to the front of the radiator; unbolt it and carefully move it aside without disconnecting its lines. Then you can unbolt the radiator's mounting brackets and lift it out.

To install the new radiator, follow the same steps in reverse.

Once everything is connected and secured, refill the system with coolant and bleed out any air pockets by following the steps in your car's service manual.

Where to Buy Quality New and Used Radiators

Brand-new radiators can be found at various trusted auto parts dealers. For used radiators in excellent condition and at great prices, shop here with BE FORWARD Auto Parts.