Last updated on July 14th, 2022 at 05:13 pm
As you know, Car Radiator is a heat changer that converts hot air into cool air in the engine drive system. It is the way to cool the hot water from the engine and send it back to the engine. If your car radiator does not work properly, the engine will overheat and multiple parts of it may destroy themselves.
There are several types of radiators available in the market. When choosing a radiator, you should consider several things, including the size, components, durability, and affordability. All the factors you should consider for a radiator are discussed below.
Related Search – How To Buy An Exhaust System?
Secret Tips On Buying Your Car Radiator
- Finalize the type of radiator you need
- Determining the size of the radiator
- Check the Construction material
- Find the Radiator hose
- Check the type of radiator fan you need
- Fit on your budget
Type of radiator
While considering replacing the radiator, you need to know what type of radiator your car previously had. Two major types of radiators are available in the market: crossflow radiator and downflow radiator. The crossflow radiators are equipped with piping that runs horizontally through the core with a coolant collection tank. The fluid flows horizontally through the pipes.
On the other hand, the downflow radiators consist of the core with vertically running pipes and two tanks, one at the top and the other at the bottom. The fluid is forced downwards with the help of a water pump.
Choosing the same radiator your car previously had is a good idea. Otherwise, changing the type will require additional adjustments for installation.
Read this to learn – How To Buy Your Car Engine?
Radiator size
Radiator size also matters when buying a new one. The smaller the size, the lower it’s capacity to cool the engine components. It is quite the opposite with the bigger size radiator. To buy a large radiator, you must consider your underwood space. You should pick the large one that smoothly fits in your underhood space.
Construction material
Radiators in the market are made of materials like Aluminum and brass radiators, aluminum radiators, copper and brass radiator, plastic radiator, etc. The old car’s radiators are mostly copper core and brass-made tanks. But the radiators of modern vehicles, Aluminum, replace the copper core, and plastic tanks replace the brass tank.
People prefer Aluminum because copper is expensive and heavy compared to Aluminum and plastic. At the same time, the plastic radiator gets damaged too early and needs entire component replacement.
But with Aluminum, you only have to replace the damaged part, not the entire component. Also, Aluminum is high thermal conductive, absorbs heat faster, long-lasting, and does not rust like other metals.
Learn more about – The 6 Important Factors To Buying A Used Transmission
Radiator hose
Radiator hoses are also essential when purchasing a new radiator as they carry fluid needed to be cool. The tubes should be wide enough to carry a large volume of liquid but not too thick. Moreover, the hose has to be sturdy and withstand high temperatures for a long time. The wider tubes in the radiator have a maximum surface area, making more fluid come in contact with the pipes and cool faster. On the other hand, the thick hoses reduce the radiator’s efficiency.
Type of Radiator Fans
There are two types of radiator fan available: mechanical and electrical. The Mechanical fans consume about 20 horsepower directly from the engine. In contrast, an electrical fan needs a battery and charging system for power. For optimum airflow for cooling the engine and fuel economy, the electrical fan is the preferable one.
Cost
Radiator prices vary with their different features, construction materials, models, and brands. Before you buy one, you should get an idea about different model prices and features. After comparing other models, choose which have the parts you want and fit in your budget too.
Read this next – An Ultimate Car Battery Buying Guide