What is a radiator and what is it for?

Do you take care of your radiator maintenance? Understand the importance of this essential component for your car
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Do you take care of your car's radiator? When we talk about automotive performance, there is a lot of discussion about power, torque and improvements such as remap. However, there are fundamental components in the functioning of any vehicle that often do not receive due attention. An example of this is the radiator, an essential part of the engine cooling system.

What is the radiator?

The radiator is a heat exchanger, that is, it is the component responsible for cooling the coolant that circulates through the vehicle's engine.

This liquid's function is to remove excess heat generated during engine operation and transfer it to the radiator. It is in this compartment that the liquid will be cooled with the help of external air flow, usually through fans or the movement of the car.

How does the radiator work?

The radiator works together with the cooling system, which is made up of several other parts, such as:

  • The water pump;
  • The thermostat;
  • The coolant (also known as radiator additive, solution or fluid). 

When the engine reaches high temperatures, the water pump circulates coolant through the engine block, absorbing the heat. This heated liquid is then directed to the radiator, where air passing over the radiator fins cools the fluid, allowing it to return to the engine at a lower temperature.

What is the radiator for?

The radiator essentially serves to prevent the engine from overheating. If a vehicle's engine runs without temperature control, the excessive heat can damage internal components such as pistons, valves and even the head gasket. 

The cooling system, with the radiator as a key part, keeps the engine in the ideal temperature range, ensuring its efficiency and extending the vehicle's useful life.

What happens if the radiator is faulty?

If your radiator is clogged, leaking, or damaged, your cooling system won’t work efficiently. As a result, your engine may overheat, leading to serious mechanical damage and high repair costs. Some signs that your radiator may be faulty include:

  • Frequent engine overheating
  • Coolant leak
  • Low fluid levels in the reservoir
  • Corrosion or rust visible on the radiator

Radiator maintenance

Just like any other component in your vehicle, your radiator needs preventive maintenance. Changing the coolant regularly, checking the condition of the hoses, and making sure the radiator is not blocked by dirt are simple steps that can prevent bigger problems in the future.

How to choose the ideal radiator solution

The choice of Radiator Solution not only ensures the proper functioning of the engine, but also protects your vehicle against wear and tear and failures in extreme conditions. Among the options offered by Strike Brasil, three essential products stand out to keep your car's cooling system in optimal condition: 

  • STK TRADITIONAL Radiator Solution,
  • STK Radiator Solution RACING 
  • STK Thermo Shield®.

STK TRADITIONAL Radiator Solution

STK TRADITIONAL Radiator Solution is a ready-to-use radiator additive that offers efficiency and safety in extreme temperatures, and is suitable for all vehicles.

O STK TRADITIONAL Radiator Solution It is a ready-to-use radiator additive that offers efficiency and safety in extreme temperatures, and is suitable for all vehicles, both domestic and imported. Its formula, based on monoethylene glycol, protects the cooling system against corrosion, improves heat exchange and prevents problems such as cavitation in the water pump, ensuring long-term engine preservation. It operates in a temperature range from freezing at -33°C to boiling at 114°C.

STK Radiator Solution RACING

STK Radiator Solution RACING is a radiator additive for those seeking maximum performance in high-performance vehicles or in severe use conditions.

Already  STK Radiator Solution RACING was developed for those looking for maximum performance em high performance vehicles or in severe use conditions. With an exclusive glycol-based formula and an organic corrosion inhibitor, it withstands temperatures of up to 130°C, making it ideal for sports and competition cars. Its superior heat resistance helps keep the engine safe even under high pressure.

STK Thermo Shield®

STK Thermo Shield® is a solution that complements other radiator products, offering extra performance in severe usage regimes.

Lastly, o STK Thermo Shield® is a solution that complements other radiator products, offering extra performance in severe regimes of use. This super-concentrated additive is capable of reducing engine temperature by up to 15°C, optimizing heat exchange and protecting the cooling system against corrosion. 

Thermo Shield® is especially recommended for vehicles using magnesium alloys, aluminum, cast blocks or yellow metals such as brass, bronze and copper. To use the product, it must be diluted in water at a ratio of 5% (1 part Thermo Shield® to 19 parts water or coolant solution).

The Right Additive for My Car

By choosing the right additive for your radiator, you are not only protecting your cooling system, but also ensuring that your vehicle’s engine runs efficiently and safely, regardless of the conditions of use.

The choice of one Quality Radiator Solution is essential to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your vehicle's engine. The cooling system works under extreme conditions, controlling temperatures to prevent overheating and other mechanical problems. 

Be for everyday use or to high performance, ensuring your radiator is using the correct solution is vital to preventing future damage and keeping your vehicle running at its best.

Perform Preventive Maintenance 

The radiator plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of your car's engine, especially for those seeking maximum performance, such as our customers. Strike Brasil.

After all, there's no point in having a powerful engine with a quality remap if the cooling system isn't up to date. Take good care of your radiator and ensure that your car's engine performs optimally without the risk of overheating.

Now that you know what a radiator is and what it is for, don't forget: proper maintenance is essential for your car to run in perfect condition. Want to know more about automotive performance and how to take care of your car? Keep following the blog Strike Brasil, and look for one of our more than 50 units in Latin America or if you prefer visit the Strike Brasil Store, Wow shop with exclusive products from Strike Brasil!

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