Radiator Replacement
What is a radiator?
The radiator's job is to remove heat from the engine's coolant. As hot coolant passes through the radiator it is cooled before returning to the engine, where it absorbs heat and returns to the radiator. This cooling process keeps the engine from overheating.
How does the radiator work?
The engine generates heat when it is running; this heat must be removed to prevent damage to the engine. Coolant circulates throughout the engine and absorbs this heat. The water pump pushes the coolant through the radiator (where it is cooled) and returns it to the engine once more to absorb the engine’s heat, before returning it to the radiator to be cooled again. When a vehicle is traveling fast, rushing air flows through the radiator and cools the engine. When a vehicle is in stop-and-go traffic or stuck at a traffic light, the engine’s cooling fan pushes air through the radiator.
A failing radiator can cause the engine to run hot or overheat.
Most radiators are made of metal and plastic. The plastic parts can become brittle and crack over time, thus requiring replacement of the radiator.