what does a radiator do in a car

A radiator is a key component of a cars cooling system that helps eliminate excess heat from the engine. 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. The radiator works to eliminate heat from the engine by releasing coolant and water from the radiator and sending it 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. The cooling effect is enhanced by the movement of air across the radiator as the car is driven, while a fan is automatically activated to help cool the engine when the car is stopped or in traffic. The radiator is located under the hood and in front of the engine. The coolant reservoir is located next to these components as well.