Cooling
What is a Radiator?
Keeps your engine from overheating on long drives.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
The radiator is a network of thin tubes and fins at the front of the car. Hot coolant from the engine flows through it and is cooled by air passing over the fins.
A simple analogy
"Like a kettle's cooling rack — spreads hot liquid over a large area so air can cool it down."
How it works
A water pump circulates coolant through the engine to absorb heat. The hot coolant flows to the radiator, where airflow (and a fan when stationary) carries the heat away.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Temperature gauge reading high
- ⚠Coolant leaking under the car
- ⚠Steam from under the bonnet
- ⚠Sweet smell from the engine bay
Rough UK cost
£200 – £500 fitted
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by car, region, and parts brand.
Heads up: Carautonomy is for general guidance only. If your car is showing warning lights or behaving oddly, get it looked at by a qualified mechanic.