Durability Tested Radiator For MAZDA 323 Protege ASTINA BJ Ford Laser KN KQ Auto Manual

What Is a Radiator?

The radiator helps keep your vehicle cool, but how exactly does it achieve this goal?

The engine in a vehicle burns fuel and creates energy, which generates heat. Venting this heat away from engine parts is important to prevent damage.

Radiators work to eliminate heat from the engine. The process begins when the thermostat in the front of the engine detects excess heat. Then coolant and

water get released from the radiator and sent through the engine to absorb this heat.

Once the liquid picks up excess heat, it is sent back to the radiator, which works to blow air across it and cool it down, exchanging the heat with the air

outside the vehicle.

The radiator utilizes thin metal fins during the process, which are effective at allowing heat to quickly escape to the air outside the car. These fins are often

working alongside the fan that’s blowing air across the radiator.

Long story short, the answer to “What’s a radiator in a car?” is simple — It is a heat exchange that cools fluid, which cools down the engine.

Signs of a Failing Radiator

Over time, different parts of the cooling system can begin to wear down. For a more general overview, read up on the most common cooling system

problems.

A few signs that your radiator specifically is having issues can include:

Leaking coolant: Cracks or leaks in the radiator will cause coolant to appear on the ground underneath your vehicle. This can happen when your vehicle is

parked or when you’re driving. If you notice this or low coolant levels, you might have a crack in your radiator.

Discolored coolant or sludge: Coolant is usually a thin consistency and colored green or yellow. Rust and debris from a failing radiator might cause

contamination in the fluid that can turn it a dark or rusty color. It also might become thicker and create sludge, which can prevent it from cooling the engine.

Overheating: A vehicle consistently overheating could be a radiator issue, since the radiator is the way engine heat is removed.

Bent or damaged fins: Airflow can get blocked to the radiator if the fins on it get bent or damaged. This can be caused by gravel hitting them while driving or

if too much water pressure is used while cleaning them.

Fit:  

1999-02 FORD LASER KN/KQ

1998-03 MAZDA 323 ASTINA / PROTEGE BJ (4/5Dr & SP20)

Inlet/Outlet: 28mm/28mm