What is a Radiator in a Car?
Although most people have heard of a radiator, they may not be aware of its purpose or importance. In the simplest terms, the radiator is the central component of a vehicle's cooling system. Its primary function is to monitor and regulate a vehicle engine's temperature and prevent it from overheating.
Components of a Radiator
A radiator has three main parts: the core, the pressure cap, and the outlet and inlet tanks.
The core is the main section defined by a large metal block with rows of narrow metal fins. This is where hot coolant that has flowed through the engine releases its heat and where the radiator cools it for its next trip around the heat-exchange circuit.
The pressure cap seals the cooling system and ensures that it remains pressurized. This pressure is essential for the radiator to operate efficiently as it keeps the coolant from boiling and overflowing./p>
The outlet and inlet tanks direct coolant to the radiator after it has circulated through the engine. These tanks manage the liquid when it is very hot.
Another primary component of the radiator is the coolant itself. Even though it is not a mechanized part, it is the critical ingredient that conducts heat away from the engine and allows the radiator to do its job.