A modern car is a complex system, the safety and reliability of the car depend on the quality of work of which. To have an idea of its structure, it is necessary to understand the principle of operation of the engine, cooling system and many other elements.
For the machine to work for a long time, without failures and breakdowns, it needs regular maintenance. The radiator also requires proper treatment. The life of the engine and the entire car depends on its proper operation. What is a radiator , what functions does it have, every motorist needs to know.
Radiator designation
Studying what a radiator is , it is necessary to understand the essence of the device of a car engine. A motor is a system within which, thanks to an electric spark, a fuel mixture ignites. In this case, the formation of thermal energy is observed in the cylinders, which is subsequently converted into the mechanical driving force of the machine. It is valid at the time of starting the car.
Having such a device, the engine heats up quickly. The level of temperature rise requires constant monitoring. If the heating exceeds the permissible value, the motor will overheat and stop working. To avoid such an outcome, a cooling system is used. Its part is the radiator.
This equipment removes heat from the fluid in the cooling system. In winter, the stove radiator is heated by engine heat. Liquid before returning to the cooling system affects it. So the interior heats up. Therefore, the replacement of the radiator of the stove is also periodically required when operating the car.
Radiator device
The radiator consists of metal multilayer plates and tubes. Thanks to this device, the device increases the area of contact with atmospheric air. The device itself is most often located in the front of the car under the hood. While the car is moving, the radiator is capable of passing a lot of air through itself.
The radiator has several basic elements. First of all, this is the core. It makes up the cooling compartment. Also, the design has tanks (boxes) with nozzles. They have a view of the upper and lower. Radiators have oval brass tubes in the core. They are staggered. The tubes are connected to the ribs.
The top box has a neck, and the bottom has a tap. He drains the cooling fluid. It passes through the entire engine, taking away excess heat and carrying it to the radiator. Here the antifreeze cools again.
Radiator Service
Considering what a radiator is , it is necessary to say about the principles of its maintenance. In some car models, cleaning the radiator will be easy. In some brands of cars, this process will require large financial costs. Therefore, it is easier to buy a new radiator right away.
In the summer, the car cooling system requires special attention. It is in this period of time that it is highly likely to become contaminated with dust, fluff, etc. In addition to external factors, the radiator can accumulate an oil film. It is it that leads to a decrease in air circulation, as well as a decrease in the cooling capabilities of the system.
Knowing the features of the radiator of your car, you can make the right decision in the process of its maintenance. Over time, any cooling system will require repair. To prevent this from happening as long as possible, it is necessary to properly set up the cooling system in the summer period, to protect it from pollution.
Radiator Repair
Repair of the cooling system may be required for various reasons. The most common ones are contamination of internal cavities or refrigerant leakage. In any case, only a specialist can determine the cause. If you can understand what caused the malfunction, you can perform the repair yourself.
First you need to learn how to remove the radiator . To do this, all the antifreeze from the system merges. Some models have drain holes at the bottom of the radiator. In all other vehicles, this process requires removal of the flexible hose from the lower pipe.
Core cleaning is best done using special tools. They are used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Leak repair
A more complex breakdown is the elimination of antifreeze leak. If this phenomenon is detected near the plastic pipe that enters the radiator, you cannot solve the problem yourself. If cracks appear in the tubes of the device, they can be fixed with a special sealant.
In case of large-scale breakdowns (for example, after an accident), welding may be required. In some cases, the driver may be saved from replacing the radiator with a special substance. It is called "cold welding."
Only radiator connection will help determine the quality of repair work. Antifreeze is poured into the system and let the engine run for about 30 minutes. Only after that it will become clear whether it was possible to eliminate the leak.
Having considered what a radiator is , what functions and features it has, you can independently perform maintenance of the cooling system. Without sufficient experience, it is better to entrust such work to a specialist.