The car radiator is a metal device used to cool the hot coolant in the engine. Radiators are made to cool the engine, but they can be damaged and broken for a number of reasons.
Causes
The main reason a radiator fails is internal corrosion. Copper and aluminum radiators are resistant to corrosion, but it can still occur. Radiators can also break from excessive heat and the impact of collisions.
Location
Radiators are more likely to break near the inlet and outlet hoses, as well as at the edges when the center is attached at the ends. These areas are more prone to buckling from normal car vibrations and movements. Breaks can be difficult to find, but refrigerant and vapor leakage can make it easier to determine when the system is hot and under pressure.
Effects edit
A broken radiator will allow coolant to leak out of the cooling system, resulting in an inappropriate amount of coolant in the engine, which can cause damage from overheating. A low coolant level can cause the water pump to not be properly lubricated, which can also cause failure.
