Vehicle engines produce tremendous amounts of heat during operation. To counteract this problem, car manufacturers designed radiators to help them from overheating. Branford Radiator Repair Service, a trusted auto shop in New Haven County, CT, shares information about this car part to help you understand what it does and how it works.

Local Auto Shop Explains the Significance of Your Car’s Radiator

What Is An Auto Radiator?

Engines need heat to perform at an optimal level. However, too much heat can cause severe damage that may require expensive engine repairs or replacement. As the main component of your vehicle’s cooling system, the radiator is responsible for regulating the temperature of the engine. Its parts include the radiator itself, which also serves as the reservoir, a water pump that circulates the liquid, a thermostat that determines how much liquid flows, and a fan, which draws air in. Radiators are usually made of copper-brass or aluminum.

How Does It Work?

The radiator distributes liquid — which can either be water or a combination of water and coolant — using a series of pipes that run through and around the engine. As this liquid passes through the engine, it picks up any heat and carries it back to the radiator, where it is cooled down by the fan or the airstream passing through the front grilles. The radiator then pumps the liquid back into the pipes for another cycle.

The radiator consists of flattened metal tubes where liquid passes. Between these tubes are thin metal fins that absorb the heat coming from the liquid. These fins are laid out in a zigzag configuration to maximize their surface area, allowing them to dissipate heat more efficiently.

If you need more information about your vehicle’s cooling system, talk to an auto mechanic at Branford Radiator Repair Service. This renowned auto shop has been offering excellent radiator repair, oil change, brake work, and other car maintenance services for more than 30 years. Give them a call at (203) 488-7346 for inquiries, or visit their website to learn more.