Aftermarket Radiators
Automobile engines need a variety of components and elements to function properly, the basics of which are air, gasoline, and the ability to cool themselves. An engine's cooling system is perhaps its most important component, as it is mainly responsible for allowing the engine to continue its operations after being used for more than an hour at a time. Without an efficient cooling system, the engine would overheat and the pistons would fail to move freely due to excessive friction, resulting in total engine failure within just a couple of hours. Thus, in order to maintain the integrity and performance of an engine it is absolutely imperative to ensure that the radiator is functioning properly at all times. If you are looking to install or upgrade the radiator in your vehicle, then you may want to consider the following information pertaining to aftermarket radiators.
What Does a Radiator Do?
The vehicle's radiator continuously captures thermal energy (heat) from the automobile's engine, cycles it and cools it, and releases a portion of it outside of the vehicle through radiant output on the surface of the radiator itself. In essence, the main goal of the radiator is to draw heat away from the engine's vital areas and circulate water and antifreeze fluid throughout the engine compartment. After the thermal energy is captured and transferred away from the engine via the heated engine coolant, it returns to the radiator through a large rubber hose, where it is siphoned through nooks and crannies within the radiator that are designed to maximize surface area. During this process, the excess heat is leached out through the external walls of the radiator, and a belt driven or electrical fan may also be installed to facilitate and expedite this process. The front of the vehicle's radiator is also continuously cooled by the air coming in through the vehicle's grill.
Replacing and/or Installing Aftermarket Radiators
Unfortunately, the process of installing or replacing aftermarket radiators is not simple, and therefore usually requires the paid assistance of a professional mechanic. However, if you are confident in your mechanic abilities, and you're willing to put in several hours of research and work, it is possible to find detailed guides online that will walk you through the entire installation process. Some aftermarket radiators will even come with detailed instructions that include graphical diagrams and other forms of helpful documentation (which may come in handy during a DIY aftermarket radiator installation). Before attempting an installation yourself, you should determine how the radiator is mounted, whether or not it is equipped with an electric cooling fan, and the location of each radiator hose connection. It is also important to shop for aftermarket radiators with your vehicle specifications in mind, particularly the make, model, year, and whether or not the vehicle has an automatic or manual transmission.
Average Prices of Aftermarket Radiators
The average prices of aftermarket radiators range widely from $100-$700, depending on the vehicle model, make, and year, as well as various other factors. Aftermarket radiators that are specifically compatible with older or classic vehicles are usually more expensive, ranging from $500-$1000 in general. When browsing through a selection of aftermarket radiators it is best to choose parts that are made using OEM (original equipment manufacturer) materials and configurations. This is especially true if you have a foreign European car, as these vehicles tend to have parts that are not as compatible as other less expensive automobiles. It may also be more difficult to uninstall/install a radiator in a such a vehicle (i.e.- a BMW or Mercedes-Benz), as you might need to find a mechanic that specializes in working on these vehicle brands. Unfortunately, the cost of installing an aftermarket radiator can be excessive, especially if the current radiator has to be uninstalled first.
