Coolant in a radiator works by circulating through the engine to absorb heat, then flowing into the radiator where that heat is dissipated into the air, allowing the cooled coolant to return to the engine and repeat the cycle.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Heat Absorption: Coolant (typically a mixture of water and antifreeze) circulates through the engine block, absorbing heat generated by the combustion process.
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Flow to the Radiator: The hot coolant then flows from the engine, through a hose, and into the radiator's inlet tank. This tank is located in the radiator head.
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Heat Dissipation: Inside the radiator, the coolant flows through a series of thin tubes with fins attached. These fins increase the surface area exposed to the air.
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Airflow: A fan (either engine-driven or electric) forces air across the radiator fins. This airflow carries away the heat from the coolant, cooling it down.
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Return to Engine: The now-cooled coolant collects in the radiator's outlet tank. From there, it flows through another hose and back into the engine to absorb more heat, completing the cycle.
Essentially, the radiator acts as a heat exchanger, transferring heat from the hot coolant to the surrounding air. This continuous circulation and heat transfer process keeps the engine from overheating.
