There are two different types of radiators: crossflow and downflow.
In a crossflow radiator, cooling tubes and fins make up the core, which is surrounded by vertical tanks on each side. With the aid of your water pump, coolant travels horizontally across the core from inlet to outlet.
There are two horizontal tanks at the top and bottom of a downflow radiator. By entering through the top of the radiator, the coolant travels vertically through the core and leaves through the bottom outlet. Since coolant flows from the top down, gravity helps the water pump move coolant through the radiator more quickly.
Our Verdict: Due to the speed at which crossflow moves the coolant, it is typically more efficient in terms of design. Crossflow radiators retain coolant for a longer period of time, which allows them to better dissipate heat. Crossflow radiators are often the best choice for high-output engines due to their heat dissipation capabilities and (typically) larger core surface areas.Row Quantity vs. Tube SizeIn a radiator, the coolant is transported by a row or several rows of tubes and fins. Aluminum is much stronger than copper-brass, so you can increase tube diameter without adding thickness to the tube walls (as with copper tubes). Because of this, two-row aluminum radiators with one-inch tubes dissipate heat nearly as efficiently as five-row copper-brass radiators with smaller tubes.
Our Verdict: The idea that more rows are better has been abandoned by most high-performance radiator manufacturers. In comparisons of aluminum radiators, core thickness and cooling tube size are now critical. There is only one difference between the smaller and larger tube radiators, the core of the larger radiator is slightly thicker.Additional Points to Keep in Mind when you buy a RadiatorFollowing the information about different types of radiators, which is better than the other, and why, here are some additional points you can keep in mind when choosing the right radiator.An aftermarket radiator is usually your best choice if you want to replace the radiator on a vehicle without any modifications. Besides being easy to install, it will not require any modifications, and it has already proven to be effective at cooling your engine adequately.Upgrade to an aluminum core radiator for classics to see a huge difference. Despite being identical in size, they offer better cooling and lighter weight. Most vehicles manufactured after 1980 have aluminum radiators, but you can improve cooling power by adding rows or investing in a larger radiator.Performance radiators allow you to cool your vehicle faster by increasing the amount of coolant and surface area. It is necessary to modify some of these radiators in order to fit, but they offer significant cooling benefits.Is There a Specific Time to Replace the Radiator?If properly maintained, radiators typically last 8-10 years. In most cases, people only need a replacement radiator if theirs has been damaged or if a more powerful one is needed.
However, one should not wait for their vehicle to suffer completely and then go ahead to change their radiators. One must have their radiators checked or replaced if faced with these problems: -Trouble in Pressure
It's possible to have either too much or too little pressure in your radiator if your radiator cap fails. In either case, the result is the same and leads to overheating of your engine. Replace your radiator cap in this case. Leaks can cause pressure problems, and pressure problems can cause leaks. The radiator's pressure can be tested at a shop.Leaks
You should never ignore coolant leaks. Several household pets have died from antifreeze poisoning. If you see a leak, you don't necessarily have to replace your radiator. A leak indicates that something isn't working and that your hoses should be checked, but a leak can occur at any point in the cooling system.Rust and Corrosion
A rusty radiator or debris clogging it is another reason to check your engine. Flushing out your radiator or replacing it will be necessary in this case.