What Does a Car Radiator Do?

The radiator is the “exhaust” of the cooling system, dispersing coolant throughout its many fins to release heat from the engine into the surrounding air before returning to the motor once again. Without it, the cooling system would be unable to release trapped heat and would inevitably overheat, causing irreparable damage to your powertrain.

What is the Radiator?

In most vehicles, the radiator sits at the very front of the vehicle behind the grill, allowing outside air to rush over its fins and return your coolant to the proper temperature.

Coolant is looped from the water pump through your powertrain, trapping heat and moving it away from sensitive engine components. However, once this coolant is chock-full of thermal energy, it needs to be cooled down to a lower temperature so it can be returned to the engine to draw away more heat. 

How Do Radiators Work?

This cooling is the responsibility of the radiator, which spreads the warm coolant over a large surface area on its fins. The radiator is exposed to outside air at the front of the vehicle, which passes through the fins and returns the coolant to its initial temperature. From there, the same coolant is then pumped back through the system once again. This process occurs continually as you drive, keeping the many sensitive internal components of the motor at a safe operating temperature.

Common Radiator Problems

Being such an important component in your vehicle, you could imagine that even the smallest issues can have large ramifications. Some of the most common problems seen in radiators include:

Corroded/Leaking Radiator

One of the most common problems we see in radiators is coolant leakage due to corrosion, impacts, or old age. Sitting at the front of the vehicle, radiators are constantly exposed to moisture, contaminants, and debris from the outside which can lead to cracks or holes in the radiator assembly. As coolant is able to exit the loop, your cooling system will be left with an inadequate amount of coolant to properly manage the temperature in your engine. 

Overheating conditions can quickly cause irreparable damage to your powertrain, taking as little as a few minutes to wreak havoc on the internals of your engine. If you notice your vehicle is running hot, you should stop the vehicle immediately and have it inspected by a trusted automotive professional. 

Clogs From Contaminants

Over time, the coolant in your cooling system will accumulate contaminants like moisture, dirt, and other debris. This can cause the fluid to gum up, leading to blockages and clogs within the narrow passageways and preventing the proper amount of coolant from reaching crucial components. This lack of coolant can quickly cause dangerous overheating in your engine and drivetrain. 

Leaking Radiator Cap

The cooling system is highly pressurized, increasing the boiling point of the coolant and preventing it from evaporating while keeping it in contact with every nook and cranny of your motor. 

The coolant radiator cap is the most common cause of lost coolant pressure, as the rubber seal of the cap can wear down and allow for pressurized coolant to exit the system through the top of the radiator. 

The easiest way to check for this is to check the radiator cap itself. Before opening the cap, wait for the vehicle to completely cool down as the pressurization can spew scalding coolant if opened too early. If you see visible nicks or tears in the cap, you should have it replaced to keep your cooling system properly pressurized and avoid loss of important coolant. 

Radiator & Cooling Services in Carlsbad

If your vehicle is exhibiting overheating symptoms, or you notice a temperature warning on your dash, trust the expert technicians at Carlsbad Auto Service for precise diagnostics and high-quality repairs! No matter the issue, our team has the experience and equipment to properly care for your vehicle’s cooling system and radiator. Give us a call today or schedule online!