A car radiator is a key part of your car’s cooling system.

 A car radiator is a key part of your car’s cooling system. Its job is to stop the engine from overheating.

What it does (simple explanation)

When your engine runs, it gets very hot. The radiator:

Receives hot coolant (liquid) from the engine

Cools the coolant by passing air through thin metal fins

Sends the cooled coolant back to the engine

This cycle keeps the engine at a safe operating temperature.

Where it is

Usually at the front of the car, behind the grille

This position helps air flow cool it while driving

Main parts connected to the radiator

Coolant (antifreeze) – absorbs engine heat

Radiator hoses – carry coolant to and from the engine

Radiator fan – pulls air through when the car is stopped or slow

Thermostat – controls when coolant flows to the radiator

Why it’s important

If the radiator fails:

Engine can overheat

May cause engine damage, warped parts, or blown head gasket

Vocabs

It’s called a radiator because it radiates heat away from the engine.

The word origin

Radiate = to give off or spread heat

Radiator = something that gives off heat

The name comes from Latin radiare, meaning “to emit rays” or “shine”.

Why the name makes sense

Even though a car radiator mainly cools liquid:

Hot coolant flows through thin metal tubes

Heat spreads out into the metal fins

Air passing through carries the heat away

So the heat is released (radiated) into the air, cooling the engine.

Fun fact

Home heaters are also called radiators — they do the opposite job (warming rooms by radiating heat)

In cars, the radiator’s job is to get rid of heat, not create it

Common radiator problems

Coolant leaks

Blockage or rust inside

Overheating warning light

Sweet smell (coolant)