Get to know the functions, types and ways to care for car ra

 

A car radiator is an important component in a car. The main function of this car radiator is as a component of the air conditioning system to keep the engine temperature stable. A good radiator system will of course keep the car's temperature from overheating even in combustion mode.

Therefore, it is important for you to maintain the performance of your car radiator. Behind that, car owners must also know how to choose a car radiator based on its functions, types and how to care for it. The aim is none other than to maintain the temperature of the car's engine and avoid damage to other components in the car.

So, friends, you need to know the functions, types and how to care for these radiators. Check out the following explanation.

Car Radiator Components

A car radiator has several supporting components that function to maximize its performance. These components are very important because they will optimize the cooling system. Some of these components include:

• Radiator cap

This component is also called a radiator cap which will cover the radiator hole. Apart from that, this lid will also regulate the pressure and water filling location. This component is designed to close the radiator to prevent leaks in the car radiator.

• Upper tanks

The upper tank is a reservoir for water ( coolant ) which will carry hot temperatures after circling the engine. The upper tank is located at the top which is also called the reservoir tank .

• Lower tanks

The lower tank is a place to collect water after undergoing a cooling process, which is located under the car radiator. Water that enters the lower tank will be channeled back through the channels surrounding the engine to absorb heat.

• Radiator cores

This component is a core that is shaped like a small pipe with a hole, its function is to channel heat from the water that has passed through the engine out of the car.

• Radiator fins

These fins function to help the radiator core release heat from the outgoing water. This component is in the middle which supports the core performance of the radiator.

• Drain plus

This component acts as a drain for the cooling water located under the radiator.

Car Radiator Functions

From the explanation of radiator components, you need to know the function of a car radiator. In general, the main function of a car radiator is the car cooling system which is supported by three main components: coolant, lubricating oil and air which determine the efficiency of your car's engine performance. The combustion process will occur when the car engine is on, and this will make the temperature hot. This condition will continue to appear as long as the car is driven.

If the car does not have this cooling system, hot temperatures will make the engine even hotter when used. That's why the car radiator functions as a cooling system and controls the temperature so that the engine parts don't overheat .

The radiator will work when neutral temperature water ( coolant ) begins to flow into the channels surrounding the engine to absorb heat. This coolant will absorb hot temperatures during the flowing process, the coolant will also bring it back to the radiator. 

When it returns, the radiator will cool the coolant again and expel the hot temperature into the air. Failure of the radiator system or if damage occurs will cause overheating or excessive heat, which if left unchecked will damage the components in the engine.

Types of Car Radiators

Ordinary water car radiator

This type of car radiator only uses ordinary water as its coolant . The effectiveness of this type of radiator is not optimal. However, the boiling point of ordinary water is quite low, so it can still be used as a radiator. The water used as coolant can be tap/mineral water, but ordinary water will run out quickly, especially when the car is stuck in traffic during the day. Apart from that, water can also cause rust and scale over a long period of time which will slowly erode the pipe surface and cause the radiator to leak.

Radiator coolant

This type of radiator is a liquid that is specifically formulated to absorb heat with a high boiling point. The high boiling point means that this type of radiator will prevent evaporation when it comes into contact with the high temperatures of the car engine. This coolant liquid is water without minerals in the form of propylene glycol anti-freeze which can prevent rust and corrosion on metal materials. Its use is also more practical.

Super coolant radiator

Radiator super coolant must first be diluted using clean water in a 50:50 ratio. This super coolant radiator has a high boiling point if the dilution ratio is appropriate. The high boiling point makes the super coolant radiator absorb more engine heat, so you don't need to worry about evaporation anymore.

Antifreeze and coolant protector

This type of antifreeze and coolant protector radiator must also be thawed first using clean water. The ratio can be adjusted to the climate where the car is used, if in Indonesia the ratio is still 50:50. The boiling point of this type of radiator is not much different from that of a super coolant radiator , but thanks to antifreeze , this type of radiator can be used in subtropical conditions and will not freeze.

How to Maintain a Car Radiator

Pay attention to the volume of fluid

The fluid in the radiator tank functions to maintain the stability of the car's engine temperature. If the volume is not enough, it could result in overheating of the engine. Pay attention to the radiator water volume according to the minimum and maximum limit marks. Avoid filling the tank with just any water to prevent corrosion and use a special coolant, radiator coolant for example, has a higher boiling point than other types of water.

Clean the radiator tank

To avoid corrosion, the radiator tank also needs to be cleaned regularly. At least once every 2 weeks. Also clean the cover, oil pump, hose clamps and cooling fan. If the hose clamp is frequently exposed to high temperatures, this component is susceptible to leaking. Meanwhile, the cooling fan also needs to be cleaned so that the silicone fluid and fan belt are always in good condition.

Use radiator coolant

Use radiator coolant to maintain the car's radiator which is useful for keeping the engine temperature stable. Use radiator coolant specifically for car engines to remove rust or dirt that has accumulated in the radiator tank.

Close the radiator tightly

Make sure you always close the car radiator tightly so that the radiator coolant doesn't leak while holding the car's engine temperature. It is important to close the radiator tank tightly to maintain and control the temperature pressure in the car's cooling system so that it remains stable.

Avoid exceeding the car's load capacity

So that the car's radiator is always maintained, avoid overloading the car. Apart from causing overheating , the heavy load carried by the car also makes the radiator work harder to cool the engine. So, know the maximum capacity limit of the car so that the condition of both the car and the radiator remains in top condition.