Holds Fluid

The radiator is the main container for the antifreeze, or coolant, that flows through the engine of your car. The radiator holds the fluid which is pumped through the engine through a series of hoses, then returned to the radiator to be cooled.

Space To Cool

The radiator may look like one big container, but it actually has many chambers and folds inside that gives it a lot of surface area. By the time the fluid travels through the maze of twists and turns of the radiator, it has had more time to cool.

Pressure

The radiator helps to maintain pressure in the cooling system. A leaking radiator or radiator cap will cause a loss of pressure. This can cause less coolant to be delivered to the engine, and the engine could then overheat.

Maintaining Temperature

The radiator maintains the temperature of the coolant in your car, thereby helping to maintain just the right temperature in the engine. Coolant that is too hot or too cold can cause damage to the engine. In today's cars, computers often use temperature to determine fuel needs. Keeping the engine at the right temperature ensures proper function, contributes to proper gas mileage, and increases the longevity of your car.

Easy Access and Maintenance

The radiator allows easy access to the fluid, allowing you to add fluid to the car's cooling system without having to access the hoses inside the engine compartment where the fluid flows. Flushing the radiator from time to time and replacing the coolant will keep the buildup of debris and loss of viscosity in the fluid to a minimum.

Source:

Todd McDonald, ASE Certified Automotive Technician; Molalla Autoworks; Molalla, OR

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