Radiators essentially function by circulating incoming hot liquids (or in the case of automobiles, coolants) and releasing their heat through aluminum fins so that the liquid (coolant) is at the perfect temperature. In automobiles, coolant becomes the optimal temperature necessary and is then suitable for recycling through the engine block and back into the radiator. If coolant gets too hot and expands too much, it causes the radiator to boil over.

Radiators are structured with aluminum tubes that connect to the fins. Heat in the radiator coolant is drained into the open air flow because of this structure. There are several smaller components attached to radiators that may fail and cause problems with normal radiator function. Radiators are fairly simple to diagnose as symptoms are very noticeable in most instances. For example, if your vehicle tends to overheat when idling, the probable suspect is head gasket failure. This problem causes air to flow into the water jacket of the engine throwing off the circulation of coolant through the radiator. This specific issue is to blame whenever air bubbles are fond in the coolant or foam is inside the expansion reservoir.

The seals on the radiator cap can allow excess air into the system when they become damaged. This negatively affects the very sensitive internal pressure systems of the radiator. The radiator is not able to cool the engine block down effectively when the pressure levels aren't normal. Once the control over the flow of air is lost, corrosion as a result of pollutants in the air and uncontrolled coolant expansion often induce boiling over in the radiator.

Automotive radiators have fans that are designed to keep the engine block cool when your car isn't moving. When you are driving through the desert in the summer and you get caught behind an accident, forcing you to come to a standstill in traffic, this fan becomes an important ally. One of the most typical problems involving the radiator fan is corroded wiring that links the fan and the radiator.

When purchasing coolant for your radiator, you must consider quality. The use of silicate-based coolants may significantly affect the amount of build-up you get in your radiator over time. This build-up can eventually clog your upper and lower radiator hoses causing the coolant to back up or leak. It is equally important to monitor coolant levels. When you consistently see low coolant levels, check the head gasket and radiator cap for damage.