Crystal Clear Consumer Series: Is It Really Necessary to Replace the Radiator?

Original by Honda Magazine - Japanese Car Fans Magazine - 2025-03-23 12:05:08

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As always, let's start with the conclusion before the reason: 💬 Whether it's a street car or a race car, for long-term stability, it's worth considering replacing with a better-performing radiator. 💡

Radiator is a common term, easy for everyone to understand. The proper technical term should be: Radiator, also known in Chinese as a heat sink or heat exchanger. 💬 Yes, we continue to use English as the lead, as automotive technical terms were not invented in Chinese. Therefore, any technical discussion must first respect the original terminology. Those who criticize the use of English in technical writing for being pretentious should reconsider — without respect, how can we progress? 💭

First, the concept of automotive radiators was derived from the household radiator invented by a Russian in 1855. 🏠 That means the radiators in northern homes were the origin of automotive radiators. The principle of water-cooled engine systems was proposed around 1897 by Karl Benz and Wilhelm Maybach. 🛠️ However, it was not until Daimler introduced the Mercedes 35 PS model in 1901 that it entered mass production. Before that, car cooling systems used something similar to the heat pipe systems found in modern computers (Hot-tube Ignitor), which were far less efficient than water-circulation cooling systems. 💻 Because of its excellent cooling performance, the water-cooling system invented by Mr. Maybach is still used in cars over a hundred years later. (Electric motor water-cooling systems are also based on a similar principle; the only difference is the heat source.) ⚙️

With the invention of other cooling system components, such as antifreeze, pressurized radiator caps, and thermostats, a complete water-cooled system similar to today's design was finalized by GM in 1937. 🔧

This is a diagram of a complete automotive water cooling system. Most coolant flow is around the engine block and cylinder head — the primary heat sources. The lower parts like the crankshaft rely on engine oil for cooling. 🧊

Here’s a more complete diagram of a modern car's cooling system, including the heat exchanger for cabin heating. 🌡️

From the above principles, it’s clear that all internal combustion engine vehicles, whether luxurious, expensive, or high-powered, still use the 1901 water-cooling system. The radiator is the heart ❤️ of this system. It transfers heat by increasing water-to-metal contact surface through narrow passages, then dissipates it via airflow. 🌬️

Originally brass, radiators are now aluminum due to cost and conductivity. 💸

Early radiators used gravity-fed honeycomb tubes, with low efficiency. The right image is Maybach’s first radiator; left shows structural diagram. 📐🐝

Cooling systems consist of small and large loops. The thermostat controls them — activating at 80–85°C (or 68°C for modified). 🔁 The radiator only activates at higher temps, so there’s no need to fear overcooling from an upgraded radiator. 🚗

Thicker radiators = better cooling. 🔥 Especially useful in hot regions and traffic. 🚦 Poor heat management is behind many engine issues like oil leaks or burning. 🛠️

Fit GK5's radiator is blocked by the A/C condenser, reducing airflow. V-mounting is ideal, but limited engine bay space means thicker radiator is the best solution. 📏

Oil leaks are often due to poor heat control, not material defects. 🔍 Upgrading cooling is the real fix. 💡

The author uses a 40mm radiator (vs. 16mm stock). 🆒 Temp stability improves significantly in both traffic and high-rev driving. Typical temps stay between 85–90°C. 📊

Even post-traffic jam, cooling is faster and more efficient. 💨

Some suggest better antifreeze instead of thicker radiators. But antifreeze, since 1926, is still glycol-based with additives. ❄️ Physical cooling methods work better, and are more cost-effective. 💵

Why pay more for chemicals when a better radiator solves the issue? 🤔

The author's TOSRAD 40mm radiator is factory tested (1.6kg compressed air) for leak prevention. ✅

This guide aims to empower smart consumer decisions, not push products. 🛒 Cars can run stock, but upgraded systems keep them healthier. 💖 Whether to upgrade is your personal choice — no pressure. 🙌