What Are Car RADIATORS? Learn About Cost, Location, Replacing etc.

Let’s learn what a car radiator is and what it does in the car.

We’ll also teach you how to find it, replace it, and about the cost of car radiators, and much more.

What Is a Radiator in a Car?

A radiator is the central component of your vehicle’s cooling system. Its primary function is to monitor and regulate your car engine’s temperature, preventing it from overheating.

You may think of it as a heat-exchanger that helps maintain the engine at an optimal temperature.

The radiator has of two water tanks linked together by a core made up of numerous narrow tubes. These tubes are connected to thin fins, which are essential in radiating heat away from the tubes. As air flows over these fins, it carries away heat, lowering the temperature of the fluid inside the tubes.

What Does a Radiator Look Like?

A car radiator normally has a rectangular-shaped device featuring a core made up of several narrow tubes. The core has flat tubes connected with a web of thin fins.

Hot coolant from the engine passes through one tank and then through these tubes, cooling down as it travels through the radiator.

Most modern radiators are made of aluminum, while older cars may have copper/brass radiators.

When you open the hood of your car, you’ll likely see the radiator near the front, usually near the engine.

It can have various sizes and shapes based on the car model. However, most radiators share a similar design, which includes a couple of tanks connected by a core with tubes and fins.

It isn’t uncommon for radiators to have a fan attached to them. This fan helps to pull or push air through the fins. Remember, the whole purpose of the radiator is to get rid of heat from your car’s engine.

Do All Cars Have Radiators?

Most cars have radiators. Especially gas-driven and diesel cars. However, electric vehicles (EVs) don’t have internal combustion engines, so they don’t produce as much heat. Therefore, they also don’t require a traditional radiator to cool the engine.

Instead, EVs typically rely on smaller cooling systems to regulate the temperature of the battery and other electrical components.

Where Is the Radiator Located?

The radiator is usually found at the front of the engine behind your vehicle’s grille. This enables cool air to flow through the radiator, which then helps remove heat from the coolant inside.

To find the radiator in your car, just open the hood and look for a large rectangular thing at front of the engine. It will have metal or plastic tanks on either side connected by a core with thin fins. Depending on the car model, the radiator may have hoses attached to it coming from the engine.

Accessing the radiator is generally not very difficult. However, sometimes it may be located under or behind other components, making it more challenging to inspect or replace.

These components can include:

• fans,
• protective covers,
• and engine parts that may need to be removed.

How Long Do Radiators Last?

A well-maintained radiator will last at least 8 to 10 years. Some older metal radiators may even last for the entire life of the car when well taken care of.

However, modern radiators are mostly made of plastic, which expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations, which makes them less durable than their metal counterparts.

To get the most out of your radiator and ensure it reaches its maximum lifespan, regular maintenance is key. This involves checking coolant levels, using the right coolant mixture, and keeping an eye out for any leaks or signs of corrosion. Maintaining your radiator can save you from unexpected malfunctions and costly repairs.

How Much Do Radiators Cost?

Here’s a table with average prices for both new and scrap yard radiators.

A new radiator can cost anywhere from $100 to more than $1,000, depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and cooling system requirements.

You can save some money by purchasing a radiator from a scrap yard, but there are no guarantees on the quality or condition. This option might be more suitable for older cars or if you’re trying to fix up a car on a tight budget.

Remember, you also need to factor in installation costs if you are not doing the job yourself.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Radiator?

Labor costs for radiator replacement ranges from $200 to $500. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, as individual factors can cause variations in the final price. To get a more accurate estimate for your area and specific vehicle, you may want to consult with local mechanics or use an online estimator tool.

It is important to note that this estimate does not include the price of the radiator itself.

What Happens When a Radiator Breaks?

When your car’s radiator starts to experience problems it could break altogether. This can lead to several issues that affect the overall performance of your engine.

If you have a faulty radiator, one common issue is an overheating engine. Overheating can lead to radiator cracks, as the excess pressures and heat can weaken the structure.

Overheating can cause your engine to warp, reducing its efficiency, and may even require expensive repairs. Ideally, you should address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Can You Keep Driving With A Faulty Radiator?

You should not drive with a faulty radiator. Driving a car without a radiator would almost certainly cause your engine to overheat and might result in catastrophic damage.

The radiator is responsible for cooling the engine, allowing your engine to operate within an optimal temperature range.

Can You Replace a Radiator Yourself?

Yes, you can replace a radiator yourself if you know a little bit about how to work on cars.

Let’s go through the general process of replacing a radiator.

First, ensure your car is turned off and has cooled down. This is a necessary precaution to avoid harm from hot components and fluids.

Next, drain the old radiator by opening the drain valve located at the bottom of the radiator. Place a container under it to collect the coolant. Make sure to dispose of the coolant in an environmentally safe manner.

Once the coolant has been drained, detach any parts attached to the radiator, such as hoses, clamps, and the fan assembly. Take note of their original positions, so it will be easier to re-install them later. Carefully remove the old radiator from the vehicle, keeping in mind its size and weight.

Now, it’s time to install the new radiator.

Position it correctly in the vehicle, making sure it aligns with the mounting brackets. Re-attach the hoses, clamps, and fan assembly, ensuring a proper fit and secure connections. Once everything is back in place, close the drain valve and fill the new radiator with the appropriate amount of coolant. You may need to consult your owner’s manual for specific coolant requirements.

Start the car and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the coolant and check for any leaks. If everything looks good, then congratulations, you have successfully replaced your radiator!

Keep in mind, that this is a general description of how to replace a radiator. Some vehicle-specific procedures may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check your owner’s manual.

Was this article helpful?