What is the function of the car radiator?
To prevent the engine from overheating.
The core function of the car radiator (also known as the radiator) is to absorb the heat generated by the engine by storing and circulating the coolant, preventing the engine from overheating and ensuring that the engine operates efficiently within an appropriate temperature range. Its specific functions include:
Cooling and reducing temperature: After absorbing heat inside the engine, the coolant flows into the radiator and is cooled by the radiator fins and fan, preventing high temperatures from damaging the engine.
Temperature regulation: Maintaining a constant temperature for the engine operation to prevent overheating (increasing wear) or overcooling (decreased efficiency).
Coolant storage: As the core container of the cooling system, it stores antifreeze (not ordinary water) to ensure stable circulation and cooling.
After the car radiator is damaged, it is necessary to stop the vehicle and turn off the engine immediately. Depending on the extent of the damage, take emergency measures or repair measures to avoid engine overheating and报废. The core steps include: Stop and check → Determine the degree of leakage → Temporary repair or replacement → Investigate related components → Seek professional help. Here is the specific operation guide：
Emergency handling steps (to be executed immediately)
Stop and turn off the engine: When a leak is detected, stop the vehicle by the side of the road and turn off the engine. Driving while hot can cause the engine to be damaged by high temperatures， and the repair cost can exceed 10，000 yuan.
Check the extent of damage：
Minor leakage (slow dripping of coolant)： Wait for the engine to cool down (about 30 minutes) and add an alternative coolant or pure water as a temporary substitute.
Large leakage (rapid spouting or large puddles of water on the ground)： Call for road assistance and do not drive forcefully.
Targeted repair solutions
Based on the type of damage， choose the treatment method：
Small cracks/holes (≤2mm)：
Use radiator leak sealant： Inject the coolant into the cooling system according to the instructions and run the engine for 5-10 minutes to form a sealing layer.
Temporary alternative： Tobacco or soap cotton balls for leakage (only for emergency).
The car radiator should be filled with antifreeze， as it can prevent the coolant from boiling at high temperatures， freezing at low temperatures， corroding and rusting， and thus protecting the engine cooling system.
The multiple protective functions of antifreeze
All-year temperature adaptability： The freezing point of antifreeze can be as low as -40℃ and the boiling point can reach above 108℃， ensuring that the engine operates at a stable temperature in winter without freezing and in summer without boiling.
System protection： Antifreeze contains special additives that can effectively prevent the formation of scale and corrosion of metal components， avoiding blockage of the cooling pipeline and extending the lifespan of the radiator and engine.
Performance stability： Compared to water， antifreeze has lower volatility， stable viscosity， and does not need frequent replacement over the long term， reducing maintenance costs.
The limitations of water and emergency substitution
Inherent defects of water： Ordinary water (including tap water) has an ice point of 0℃ and a boiling point of 100℃. It is prone to freezing and cracking components at low temperatures and boiling and evaporating at high temperatures； at the same time， minerals in water can form scale， block the cooling system， and accelerate metal corrosion.
Emergency use principle： In an emergency situation where antifreeze is in short supply， you can temporarily add distilled water or pure water for emergency use， but you must repair the leak and replace it with antifreeze as soon as possible to avoid long-term use damaging the engine.
Correct use and maintenance of antifreeze
Addition operation steps：
Release pressure： Rotate the pressure cover counterclockwise until the hissing stops and the pressure is released completely.
Add to the gauge： Add antifreeze to the expansion tank to make the liquid level between MAX and MIN marks.
Replenish after circulation： Start the engine， the coolant circulation may cause the liquid level to drop， add again to the range of the gauge， and then tighten the pressure cover.
Selection and replacement guide：
Choose the appropriate type： The mainstream is ethylene glycol water-based antifreeze， there are also types such as silicate and propylene glycol， and should be selected according to the vehicle manual recommendations. Avoid mixing additives: Different brands or models of antifreeze additives may vary. Mixing them can lead to chemical reactions that clog the water channels. It is recommended to use products of the same brand or replace the old liquid completely.
Regularly check and replace: Antifreeze is typically replaced every year or based on mileage. Daily, check the liquid levels in the main and auxiliary water tanks to ensure they are within the normal range.
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