Radiators, as the name suggests, are devices that radiate heat. These heat-exchanging devices can be found in automobiles, buildings and electronics. This device is designed to transfer heat from the water that flows through it, to the air blown through it by the fan.Often, a radiator is made of a long copper or aluminum tube, bent several times to form a rectangular shape. Numerous small aluminum fins surround the tube. The aluminum draws heat from the warm cooling fluid inside the tube.

Once the fins are heated, they release heat into the air, cooling the engine. The radiator has a neck that ends in a cap. The liquid coolant, usually a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, is added through this cap. The cap, known as the "pressure cap", keeps the pressure under control.

Once a predetermined level of pressure is reached, the cap gives way, releasing the pressure to prevent any sort of explosion.The flow of the liquid coolant determines the actual cooling capacity of the radiator.In some models, the aluminum tubes have a type of fin inserted into them, known as a turbulator. This increases the turbulence of the fluid and in the process, increasing the cooling capacity of the radiator.A radiator must be well maintained to ensure it performs its function properly. The liquid coolant must be regularly monitored and care should be taken that it is not completely depleted.

As the coolant keeps cycling through the equipment, it does not require changing on a daily basis.Care should be taken to ensure that the flow of the coolant is not hampered by any obstruction. Regular cleaning of the radiator will prevent overheating and avoid any major accidents.

Each different type of radiator, whether automobile, building or electronic, has its own limitations and this should be kept in mind while using or servicing them. Proper care and maintenance of the radiator will ensure that the device works well.

By: Steve Valentino