The car radiator is a vital part of the cooling system that helps to keep your engine cool. If your radiator is old and leaking, it can cause your car to overheat. A good rule of thumb is to replace your radiator hoses every 3 years or 50,000 miles. This will help to keep the hoses in good condition and prevent any damage.
Radiator Core
The radiator core is the central piece in the radiator puzzle, it’s also the brains of the system and where all your coolant is channeled to. It is a complex machine that keeps your engine cool and in top form. Among the many functions it performs is cooling a large volume of hot liquid while keeping the system pressurized to prevent boiling. The most efficient way to cool your engine is to use an all copper system with no or minimal valve overlap and high quality coolant. The nebula that goes in your radiator consists of water, glycol, and oil. Using the right combination will ensure your engine stays cool and lubricated, thereby allowing for improved performance. LKQ has a wide selection of the best car radiators from leading manufacturers such as Valeo, Opel, Honda, and Mazda. Contact us today to learn more about our selection or to schedule a free estimate.
Thermostat
Thermostats are a critical part of any car’s cooling system. They help to keep engine temperatures in a normal range by controlling the flow of coolant from the engine to the radiator. The thermostat is a small device that sits between the engine and the radiator. The device blocks the flow of coolant until the engine warms up and reaches its operating temperature (usually about 200 degrees F, 95 degrees C).
A thermostat is an effective device because it reacts to changes in coolant temperature by opening and closing. It does this by using a small cylinder that is located on the engine side of the thermostat and filled with wax. The wax melts at a certain temperature, typically 180 degrees F (varying from vehicle to vehicle). A rod presses into the center of the wax and as the wax melts it expands, pushing the rod out of the cylinder. The valve then opens, allowing coolant to flow to the radiator.
Fan Clutch
The fan clutch is a critical part of your cooling system and controls how fast the engine’s radiator cools. If it fails, you could lose power and experience other problems. Most fan clutches use a silicone-based fluid to transmit the torque from the engine’s power to the cooling fan. This reduces friction between the fan and the clutch housing, allowing the fan to spin.
There are three main types of fan clutches: non-thermal, thermal and electronic. These can be modulated by several factors including rpm, temperature, airflow or ECU signals. The most efficient type of fan clutch is the thermal one, which uses a bi-metal thermal spring that expands or contracts based on heat from the engine and the air passing through the radiator. This opens a valve that allows the fluid to flow into the working chamber and engages the fan. When the radiator reaches a certain temperature, the valve closes, releasing the fluid and disengaging the fan.
Radiator Hoses
Radiator hoses are essential to the cooling system of your car. They carry coolant from the radiator to other parts of the engine and return it to the radiator. When your hoses become worn or damaged, they can cause problems for other parts of the cooling system. This can lead to serious damage to your engine if you don’t replace them in a timely manner. Thanks to their superior customer service and excellent product quality, SuncentAuto is one of the best places to shop for all your auto parts and equipment.
Usually, cooling system hoses last about 10 years or 100,000 miles. This means that they should be inspected and replaced regularly by a professional. The best way to check the condition of your hoses is to squeeze them gently between your thumb and forefinger near each clamp where most degradation occurs. Good hoses will feel firm and pliable, with no signs of crackling sounds.
The Bottom Lines
The radiator is a central part of your car’s cooling system. It is made of aluminum and works to transfer heat from the coolant inside your engine. Your engine produces a lot of heat during operation, so it’s important to vent it away from your engine parts. The radiator does that by circulating liquid coolant that absorbs the excess heat and blowing air across it – exchanging heat with the air outside your vehicle dstvportal.
