There’s an entire cooling system at work under the hood of your car, preventing it from overheating.

That system includes the car radiator, which helps eliminate heat from the engine to maintain and prolong the longevity of your vehicle.

But how exactly does this mechanism work?

Keep reading to find out more about how a radiator works and why it’s so important to the operation of your vehicle!

Key Summary Points

• The radiator is an essential part of a car's cooling system that helps regulate the engine's temperature and prevent damage.
• It works by venting excess heat away from the engine through a process of releasing coolant and water, absorbing heat and then cooling it down with air from outside the vehicle.
• The radiator is located under the hood and in front of the engine, with the coolant reservoir located nearby.
• The main parts of a radiator include the core, pressure cap, inlet and outlet tanks and radiator hoses.
• Signs of a failing radiator can include leaking coolant, discolored coolant or sludge, overheating and bent or damaged fins.

What is a Radiator in a Car?

Long story short, the answer to “What’s a radiator in a car?” is simple — it is a heat exchange that cools fluid, which cools down the engine.

The engine burns fuel and creates energy, which generates heat. For that reason, it gets very hot while running, so the temperature must be regulated to prevent overheating. Venting this heat away from engine parts is important to prevent damage.

Car radiators work to eliminate heat from the engine. The process begins when the thermostat in the front of the engine detects excess heat. Then, coolant and water get released from the radiator and sent through the engine to absorb this heat.

Once the liquid picks up excess heat, it is sent back to the radiator, where air blows across it to cool it down.

The radiator utilizes thin metal fins during the process, which are effective at allowing heat to quickly escape to the air outside the car. These fins are often working alongside the fan that’s blowing air across the radiator.

Where is the Radiator in a Car?

The radiator is located under the hood and in front of the engine. The coolant reservoir is located next to these components as well.

What Does a Radiator Look Like?

Here’s a diagram of a vehicle’s engine cooling system, including what a radiator looks like:

Parts of a Radiator

There are a few main parts that make up the radiator, and each plays a role in the cooling process. They are:

• Core: The core is the largest part of the radiator. It’s a metal block that features the metal cooling fins that help vent the air. The core is where hot liquid releases heat and gets cooled before being sent through the process again.
• Pressure cap: The pressure cap works to help seal the cooling system so it can remain pressurized. Coolant in the radiator is pressurized to prevent the coolant from boiling. It also keeps the system more efficient.
• Inlet and outlet tanks: These tanks are where coolant flows in and out of the radiator and are located in the radiator head. Hot liquid flows from the engine through the inlet tank, and once it is cooled, goes out through the outlet tank and back into the engine.
• Radiator hoses: Coolant moves to and from the engine via the radiator hoses. They are important for connecting the inlet and outlet tanks to the radiator and the engine.

Other Important Cooling System Parts

There are other important cooling system parts that work alongside your radiator, including the water pump and the thermostat.

As mentioned earlier, the thermostat helps regulate the engine’s temperature. If the engine needs to be cooled, the thermostat will open to allow an influx of coolant. It closes if the engine is at the proper operating temperature.

The water pump pushes the coolant through the system. This component is usually operated by the engine drive belt, which turns on the pump, and spinning blades force liquid through the system as needed. Gaskets and seals keep the coolant contained.

Coolant is also extremely important — it’s the fluid that gets pumped through the cooling system to prevent the engine from overheating. It also helps lubricate the different parts it contacts. You can read more about how coolant works here.

Signs of a Failing Radiator

Over time, different parts of the cooling system can begin to wear down. For a more general overview, read up on the most common cooling system problems.

A few signs that your radiator specifically is having issues can include:

• Excessive vibration: If there’s excessive vibration while driving, it could be due to the radiator mounts becoming loose or worn out. This can cause the radiator to shake excessively during operation, potentially leading to further damage.
• Rattling or clunking noises: Strange noises coming from the front of your vehicle could indicate that the radiator is no longer properly secured or that internal components are failing. These sounds can also suggest that there may be air trapped in the cooling system.
• Irregular tire wear: Although not immediately obvious, irregular tire wear can be related to issues with your cooling system, including your radiator. When parts of the cooling system are not functioning properly, it can cause poor vehicle handling, leading to uneven tire wear.
• Vehicle pulling to one side: If your vehicle consistently pulls to one side while driving, it may signal a cooling system imbalance, which often roots back to radiator problems. This can impact overall vehicle safety and should be inspected promptly.

Car Radiator FAQs

1. Can a car run without a radiator?

A car can run without a radiator for a short period, but it will quickly overheat, leading to severe engine damage. The radiator is crucial for regulating the engine's temperature by dissipating heat.

2. How does a car radiator cool the engine?

A car radiator cools the engine by circulating coolant through the engine block and absorbing heat before passing the heated coolant through the radiator where it loses heat to the air. This cooled liquid is then recirculated to repeat the process, maintaining optimal engine temperature.

3. How often should a car radiator be flushed?

It is generally recommended to flush your car radiator every 30,000 miles or every 2-3 years, depending on the manufacturer's guidelines. Regular flushing helps remove rust, sediment and other deposits to ensure the radiator operates efficiently.

4. Can a car radiator be repaired or does it need to be replaced?

Depending on the extent of the damage, a car radiator can often be repaired, particularly if the issue is a minor leak or a clogged core. However, if the radiator is extensively corroded or damaged, it may need to be replaced to ensure proper engine cooling.

5. How can I prevent my car radiator from overheating?

To prevent your car radiator from overheating, ensure regular maintenance such as checking coolant levels and inspecting for leaks. Keep the radiator and surrounding areas clean of debris and consider using coolant with proper antifreeze properties.

Learn To Work on Car Cooling Systems at UTI

You can learn all about the maintenance and repair of a range of vehicle systems, including cooling systems when you enroll in the Automotive Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI).

Courses in UTI’s 51-week program can teach you the skills needed for an in-demand career in the industry.^1,7 You’ll be taught how to diagnose cooling system problems and how to repair radiators.

Get the training employers are looking for when hiring automotive technicians and gain knowledge you could use to make repairs on your own vehicle. Request more information online or call 1-800-834-7308 to speak to an Admissions representative today!