How to Choose a Radiator for Your Car
October 19, 2021
How do you choose a radiator for your car?
- Establish your needs
- Consider the radiator size and number of rows
- Know the difference between crossflow vs downflow
- Compare the type of materials available
- Choose a reliable brand
Generally, automotive radiators will last a decade if they’re used and maintained properly. Look for common radiator problems such as coolant leaks, rusting, and overheating. You might need to purchase a new one if the component is badly damaged or you need a performance upgrade. To help you, here are some tips on how to choose a radiator for your car.
Establish Your Needs
There are plenty of radiator materials, designs, and styles available depending on your requirement. That’s why if you’re still confused about what to choose, it’s a good idea to establish your needs.
For example, do you need a replacement radiator that can offer the same benefits as your old one? Then you need a stock radiator with no modifications. This is the easiest to install compared to the other options.
On the other hand, you might be looking for an upgrade. This way, you can accommodate more power, experience better cooling, or reduce weight. In some cases, modifications might be beneficial for your needs.
Consider The Radiator Size and Number of Rows
One important consideration when it comes to choosing a radiator replacement is the size of the component and the number of rows. To better understand this concept, it helps to know how a radiator works.
Vehicles produce a lot of heat during operation. A radiator helps it to cool down to prevent the engine from overheating. This is done by pumping coolant through the engine. The heat is transferred to the coolant fluid, which carries it to the radiator tubes and over fins. This allows the heat to dissipate by allowing it to flow to the air.
If you’re looking to upgrade performance, a bigger radiator is oftentimes better. This is because it provides more surface area, which allows better and faster cooling. But the number of rows is also an important factor. This is the number of lines of tubes that go from front to back of the core.
Adding more rows means that there is more surface area for the fluid to flow over—which leads to faster cooling. Other than the number, you also need to consider other aspects such as tube size, fins, and more.
Know The Difference Between Crossflow Vs Downflow
One of the terms you will encounter in your research is “downflow” and “crossflow” radiators.
Downflow radiators are narrow and tall. The tanks are horizontal while the tubes are vertical. This is typically used in older vehicles. If you have a vehicle designed for downflow radiators but want to install a crossflow one, fabrication is needed.
On the other hand, crossflow radiators are often used in modern vehicles. It features vertical tanks and horizontal tubes.
If made from the same materials and method, both designs will provide the same cooling effect. But keep in mind that in some cases, crossflow might provide a benefit because of its design.
Compared to the downflow radiator where the coolant travels faster with the help of gravity, a crossflow is considered efficient because the coolant travels horizontally, which means that the fluid can stay a bit longer—making it a little better at dissipating heat.
Compare The Type of Materials Available
Radiators are made of different types of materials. The common ones are copper-brass and aluminum. Fortunately, each one has its advantages.
Copper-brass radiators have been used in vehicles for a long time. This is because it can conduct heat better than other types of metals. It has a high melting point which makes it suitable for withstanding high temperatures so the engine wouldn’t overheat. Other than that, it’s also easy to repair when there are issues.
On the other hand, aluminum is preferred because of its strong and lightweight material. Because of this, the tube diameter can be increased. This way, there is more surface area where the coolant can flow through. This gives the radiator more cooling capacity.
Choose A Reliable Brand
Other than the specifications of the automotive radiator, it also helps to know the brand you’re buying from. A reliable supplier will help you choose the right radiator and support you with after-sales service.
Look for companies that have trained and knowledgeable employees. They can help you choose the right type of radiator for your needs.
Aside from these, it’s also a good idea to search for reviews. Look at the customers that the company has transacted with in the past. This will give you an idea of the quality that the supplier offers. If you find the right one, make sure that they deliver their promise on the committed date.
Key Takeaway
If you’re still wondering how to choose a radiator for your car, you can contact us here at Roberts! We have worked with top automotive companies such as Mitsubishi Motors, Toyota, Isuzu, and more. Our automotive radiators have gone through testing and quality inspection to ensure that they’re leak-free and suitable for long-term use.
Our Evercool Radiators are available in variants to serve different purposes—whether you need a radiator for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, pick-up, vans, trucks, or SUVs. It provides a better cooling effect so that you won’t encounter overheating. Other than that, we offer both plastic aluminum and brass-copper radiators so you can choose the right type for your requirements.
