Understand the Function of Radiator Water in Cars and How It Works!

Stabilizing the condition of vehicle components is indeed necessary, especially for four-wheeled vehicles. This is because the engine in this type of vehicle often experiences overheating or temperature rise when used continuously.

To address this issue, motor vehicle manufacturers have developed a component known as the radiator. The radiator fluid plays a very important role in maintaining the health and performance of the car engine as a whole, its role is quite vital such as preventing overheating and cooling the engine.

On this occasion, we will discuss further the main functions of the radiator, which plays an important role in maintaining the engine temperature of the vehicle.

Function of Radiator Fluid

The function of the radiator is to keep the engine temperature stable and normal by dissipating heat from the vehicle's engine to prevent overheating.

In addition, the radiator also has the main function of dampening the hot air produced by the engine cylinders during the combustion process. This usually occurs when the engine is started by the owner.

For its task to run well, the radiator requires another element called coolant. The radiator will later instruct the coolant to relieve the heat occurring in the cylinder walls.

Therefore, the coolant used in this radiator must have high resistance to high temperatures.

Considering the function of radiator fluid to cool the engine to keep its temperature stable, you should not carelessly choose and must adjust to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Also remember, not to be easily tempted by the color of the radiator fluid. Its color does not affect the quality it possesses at all.

In fact, there are three types of radiator coolant that are often utilized by manufacturers for their vehicles.

These include Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), and Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT). It is also important to note that these three radiator fluids have different functions from one another.

First, IAT is a type of radiator coolant that can be used for older four-wheeled vehicles and is replaced every 2 years or a maximum of 24,000 miles.

Second, OAT has the function of radiator fluid and its replacement time is every five years or every 50,000 miles.

Meanwhile, the last type, HOAT, is an advancement of OAT. Thus, its usage and replacement time are not different.

When viewed from their respective functions, you need to be more discerning in determining which radiator fluid is suitable for your beloved vehicle. This is certainly aimed at avoiding damage to the engine.

How Radiator Fluid Works

In its operation, radiator fluid is divided into several parts including radiator core, inlet tank, and outlet tank. The radiator core is the part of the water channel cavity and has thin plate sheets. Meanwhile, the inlet and outlet tank are water reservoirs and are also used as circulation points from the engine.

This is because the engine cannot handle the temperature rise that often occurs when it is started. Therefore, you as a car owner should be grateful because you are equipped with a radiator.

What are the Damages to the Radiator?

Sometimes, car radiators can face several problems that need serious attention, such as:

Overheat: The engine condition experiences excessive heat.
Coolant Volume Runs Out Quickly: Requires special monitoring of the coolant volume that runs out quickly.
Leaking Radiator Hose: Leaks in the radiator hose can become a serious issue that requires immediate handling.
Water Dripping Under the Front Bumper: Water dripping under the front bumper can indicate a problem with the cooling system.
Corrosion in the Radiator: Corrosion in the radiator needs to be taken seriously.

In facing these various problems, regular maintenance and care are key to maintaining the health of the car radiator.

What are the Tips for Maintaining Car Radiators?

Here are some ways to maintain your car radiator:

Frequent Radiator Fluid Draining: Ensure that the radiator fluid draining process is not too frequent.
Attention to Fluid Placement: Be careful in placing fluids, avoid careless placement.
Routine Maintenance of the Radiator Tank: Regularly clean the radiator tank to maintain optimal performance.
Thorough Cleaning of Components: Clean each component thoroughly to avoid potential problems.
Inspection of the Radiator Cap: Conduct regular inspections of the radiator cap to ensure good performance.
Replacement of Hoses and Clamps: Regularly replace hoses and clamps to prevent unwanted leaks.

What is the Normal Temperature of Radiator Fluid?

In general, the radiator and other engine components are designed to keep the engine temperature within the proper operational range, which is around 75°C to 105°C.

Types of Car Radiator Fluid

The type of radiator fluid is an important factor besides the quantity of fluid in maintaining the performance of the car radiator. Here are some options you can consider:

Radiator Coolant Fluid: This special radiator fluid type is suitable for preventing overheating and maintaining engine temperature. With a high boiling point of around 110-115°C, coolant fluid consists of mineral-free water, propylene glycol as antifreeze, and anti-corrosion agents.
Super Coolant Radiator: Super coolant radiators have a high maximum boiling point, suitable for engines that tend to run hot, especially in older cars.
Mineral Water or Tap Water: As an alternative, mineral water can be used if coolant is hard to obtain. Although effective in stabilizing engine temperature, mineral water has a lower boiling point and mineral content, so it should not be used too often.
Antifreeze Coolant: This type of fluid, similar to super coolant, has a boiling point of up to 128°C. It is recommended for cars operating in four-season environments and extreme weather changes.

Choosing the right type of radiator fluid according to your vehicle's condition can enhance cooling efficiency and extend the life of the radiator.

That is information about the function of radiator fluid and how it works. By detailing various aspects of maintenance and a deep understanding of the functions and types of radiator coolant, we can ensure the smooth operation of our vehicle's engine.

Selecting the right type of radiator fluid according to manufacturer recommendations and regular maintenance, such as hose replacement and component cleaning, is the key to preventing serious problems in the radiator.

Therefore, keeping the operational temperature of the vehicle's engine within the specified range, which is around 75°C to 105°C, will ensure optimal performance and avoid the risk of overheating.

Thus, regular maintenance and the selection of appropriate radiator fluid can be a wise investment in maintaining the health of the car engine and minimizing the risk of damage that may occur to the radiator.