Modern car is a complex system, the quality of which depends on the safety and reliability of the car. To have an idea about its structure, you need to understand the principle of operation of the engine, cooling system and many other elements.
In order for the machine to work for a long time, without failures and breakdowns, it needs regular maintenance. The radiator also requires proper attitude. 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.
Appointment of the radiator
Studying what a radiator is, you need to understand the essence of the device of a car engine. The motor is a system inside which, due to an electric spark, the fuel mixture ignites. In this case, the formation of thermal energy is observed in the cylinders, which is subsequently converted into a mechanical driving force of the machine. It is valid at the moment the car is started.
With such a device, the engine heats up quickly. The level of temperature rise requires constant monitoring. If the heating exceeds the allowablevalue, the motor will overheat and stop working. To avoid such an outcome, a cooling system is used. The radiator is part of it.
This equipment removes heat from the cooling fluid. In winter, the stove radiator heats up from the heat of the engine. The liquid acts on it before returning to the cooling system. This heats up the interior. Therefore, the replacement of the stove radiator is also periodically required during the operation of the car.
Radiator device
The radiator consists of metal multilayer plates and tubes. Thanks to this device, the device increases the area of \u200b\u200bcontact 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 able to pass a lot of air through it.
The radiator has several basic elements. First of all, it is the core. It makes up the cooling compartment. Also, the design has tanks (boxes) with nozzles. They have top and bottom views. Radiators have oval brass tubes in the core. They are staggered. The tubes are connected with fins.
The top box has a mouth and the bottom box has a faucet. It drains the coolant. It passes through the entire engine, taking excess heat and carrying it to the radiator. Here the antifreeze is cooling again.
Radiator Maintenance
Considering what a radiator is, it is necessary to say about the principles of its maintenance. In some car models, cleanthe radiator will be simple. In some brands of machines, this process will require large financial costs. Therefore, it is easier to buy a new radiator right away.
In the summer, the car's cooling system requires special attention. It is during this period of time that the probability of contamination with dust, fluff, etc. is high. In addition to external factors, the radiator can accumulate an oil film. It is she who leads to a decrease in air circulation, as well as a decrease in the cooling capacity of the system.
Knowing the characteristics of the radiator of your car, you can make the right decision in the maintenance process. Over time, any cooling system will require repair. To prevent this from happening for as long as possible, it is necessary to properly configure the cooling system in the summer, protect it from pollution.
Radiator repair
Repair of the cooling system may be required for various reasons. The most common of these are contamination of internal cavities or refrigerant leaks. In any case, only a specialist can accurately determine the cause. If you managed to understand what caused the malfunction, you can repair it yourself.
First you need to learn how to remove the radiator. To do this, all antifreeze is drained from the system. Some models have drain holes at the bottom of the radiator. On all other vehicles, this process requires the flexible hose to be removed from the downpipe.
Cleaning of the core is best done with the help of special tools. They are used according to the instructions.manufacturer.
Leak repair
A more difficult breakdown is the elimination of an antifreeze leak. If this phenomenon is determined near the plastic pipe that enters the radiator, it will not be possible to solve the problem on your own. If cracks appear in the tubes of the device, they can be repaired with a special sealant.
In case of large-scale breakdowns (for example, after an accident), welding may be required. In some cases, a special substance can save the driver from replacing the radiator. It's called "cold welding."
Only connecting a radiator will help determine the quality of repair work. Antifreeze is poured into the system and the engine is allowed to run for about 30 minutes. Only after that it will become clear whether the leak has been eliminated.
Having considered what a radiator is, what functions and features it has, you can independently service the cooling system. Without sufficient experience, it is better to entrust such work to a specialist.
