What’s more frustrating than sitting on the side of the road with an overheated vehicle?
For more information, please visit truck radiators for sale.
Whether it’s the sight of the steam coming from the hood or the smell of hot coolant splattered all over your engine compartment (or puddled underneath your vehicle), few things put a damper on weekend cruise like an overheated engine.
We’d strongly advise you to avoid this situation, and you can start by having a strong, healthy radiator for your vehicle. With help from the Summit Racing technical department, we’ve put together an overview of common radiator styles, materials, and designs. This basic knowledge will put you on the road to picking the optimum aftermarket radiator.
Crossflow vs. Downflow Radiators
Radiators are often broken down into two main styles: crossflow and downflow.
A crossflow radiator consists of a vertical tank on each side with a series of cooling tubes and fins making up its
core. The coolant travels horizontally across the core from the inlet side to the outlet side with the help of your water pump.In contrast, a downflow radiator has tanks running horizontally at the top and bottom. The coolant enters the top of the radiator and travels vertically through the core and leaves through the outlet at the bottom. Because the coolant flows from the top down, the water pump is aided by gravity, which allows the coolant to travel more quickly through the radiator.So which is better for your vehicle?
“When it comes to design, crossflow is typically more efficient due to the speed—or lack thereof—with which it moves the coolant,” said Mike Bosiljcic of Summit Racing’s technical department. “Unlike a downflow radiator, which has gravity working against it, a crossflow radiator holds on to the coolant just a little longer, allowing it to dissipate heat a little better.”
Because of its heat dissipation abilities, along with its (typically) larger core surface area, the crossflow radiator is often the best choice for high-rpm, high-output engines.
“One other reason the crossflow design has really taken off in popularity is the sleeker hood lines on today’s vehicle,” Bosiljcic said. “The downflow radiator is simply too tall to fit into lower-profile configuration.”
On the other hand, downflow radiators can provide an original, nostalgic appearance and can often fit where crossflow radiators will not. Cramming a crossflow radiator into an older engine compartment designed for a downflow will often require fabrication.
As always, you’ll need the proper fan, water pump, and thermostat to maximize your radiator, whether it’s a crossflow or downflow design.
Aluminum vs. Copper-Brass
The two main types of radiator materials are aluminum and copper-brass.
Copper-brass radiators came standard on older vehicles and were found on some vehicles all the way into the 1980s. For a vintage or period-correct look, it’s hard to beat a copper-brass radiator. It’s also hard to beat copper-brass for heat conductivity.
So why the switch to aluminum radiators in recent years?
While copper-brass is a great heat conductor, it is also a relatively weak material when compared to aluminum. To avoid ballooning or bursting under pressure, the diameter of the copper-brass tubes that carry coolant needs to be kept small. And that’s a big problem when it comes to cooling capabilities.
Because aluminum is stronger material than copper-brass, aluminum tube diameter can be increased to flow more coolant. That means more coolant is exposed to the heat exchange process, giving the radiator a greater cooling capacity.
A second—and more obvious—advantage to an aluminum radiator is weight. Because aluminum weighs approximately 60 percent less than copper-brass, an aluminum radiator is often the ideal choice for high performance and competition engines.
There’s one more advantage to aluminum radiators: reduced row quantity within the radiator core.
Row Quantity vs. Tube Size
As we mentioned earlier, radiators consist of a row or several rows of tubes and fins, which transport the coolant. Because aluminum is much stronger than copper-brass, tube diameter can be increased without having to add thickness to the tube walls (a necessity when increasing the size of copper tubes). As a result, a two-row aluminum radiator with one-inch tubes will dissipate heat at about the same rate and efficiency as a five-row copper-brass radiator with smaller, half-inch diameter tubes.
This two-row design also causes less air restriction through the core, allowing your vehicle’s fan to more effectively aid in the cooling process.
“Most high performance radiator manufacturers have abandoned the idea of more rows being better,” Bosiljcic said. “Now it is about core thickness and cooling tube size—even when comparing aluminum radiators. The larger tube radiator is much more capable of displacing heat just due to it’s increased capacity and the only difference that may be noticed is that the core is slightly thicker.”
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Radiator
We’ve covered the basic radiator styles, materials, and designs. In general, aluminum radiators are the ideal choice for high performance, high-output vehicles, competition cars, and custom street rods. Copper-brass radiators make a great choice for restorations or a nostalgic look.
According to Bosiljcic, there are a couple more rules of thumb:
“Bigger is always better when it comes to radiator selection,” he said. “People should also remember that universal radiators are just that—universal. This makes a direct-fit radiator a much better option in the end if available.”
To narrow down the choices for your specific application, here are few things you should know when you begin shopping for a radiator:
Armed with this knowledge, your parts salesman will be able to steer you in the right direction.
Buying a radiator online can be daunting.
There are a lot of things to consider before purchasing a new radiator for your home.
The size, shape and heat output are all important factors in selecting the best radiator to purchase.
And, on top of that, there’s the style, material and finish to think about too.
So, buying a new radiator isn’t something to take lightly.
To help, we’ve created this updated guide on how to buy a radiator to help you make the BestHeating choice for your home.
How to buy your new radiatorIn this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying a radiator online.
Follow the steps below to help you on your way to purchasing a new radiator.
Step 1 – Determine the size of radiator you needThe first step on your journey to a new radiator, is to understand the size of radiator you need.
Your radiator’s size depends on the size and type of room you will be heating.
A larger room will obviously need a larger radiator (or perhaps more than one), while a smaller room is going to require a smaller radiator.
The process of determining your radiator size involves measuring the height, width and length of your chosen room.
Those figures, alongside other factors like the type of walls you have, and what is above and below the room, can all impact the size of the radiator you need.
When you have all the information, make use of our online BTU Calculator to help you find the required heat output for that space.
Step 2 – Choose the type of radiatorFor extra help on understanding the required BTUs for your new radiator or towel rail –
check out our ultimate guide to calculating heat output for your home
There are several types of radiator to choose from to heat the different rooms of your home.
The type of radiator you choose will depend on your heating needs and your personal preference.
To help you to buy the perfect radiator, check out the different radiator types below.
Panel radiators are probably the most common type of domestic radiator.
They are available in single, double and double-panel-plus varieties – each of which offer a little more in terms of heat output than the next.
The numbers on the graphics above indicate the number of panels and the number of convector fins that the radiators feature.
Though they may look very similar, the radiators below are very different.
The first – a Type 11 convector – offers around 3,000 BTUs, while the third – a Type 22 – offers almost twice the heat output, at 5,500.
Milano Compact – Type 11 Single Panel Radiator – 400mm x 1000mmMilano Compact – Type 21 Double Panel Plus Radiator – 400mm x 1000mmMilano Compact – Type 22 Double Panel Radiator – 400mm x 1000mmPanel radiators are relatively inexpensive, reliable and consistent in their heat output.
If you’re looking for a functional, affordable radiator, you won’t go far wrong with one of these.
For more insight into the different types of panel radiators –
pay a visit to our convector radiator guide.
Column radiators are usually more traditional in their design.
They consist of a series of vertical tubes instead of a panel.
You can find both traditional and contemporary column radiators at BestHeating.
For more modern column radiators, you should browse our designer radiators category.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Is It Safe To Drive With A Bad Radiator. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
These modern radiators are great for contemporary living spaces, like loft apartments.
Conversely, period-style traditional column radiators are ideal for restoration projects and more vintage look properties.
Learn all about column radiator efficiency in our column radiator guide
Towel radiators are typically used in bathrooms and contain rails to hang towels on.
Not entirely the same as a heated towel rail – which is specifically designed to hold towels – towel radiators look just like other radiators in your home, but come equipped with a rail for your towel to sit on.
Step 3 – Select the perfect radiator material“They’re made of metal!” I hear you say.
Well, yes, radiators are usually made of metal.
But, there are different types of metals that a radiator can be made from – each with varying advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some common radiator materials and their key benefits.
Steel is the most common radiator material in the UK and definitely the most affordable.
At BestHeating, unless otherwise stated on the product pages, all our standard radiator designs are made from mild steel.
Steel is durable, easy to maintain, and great at emitting heat, making it one of the best all round materials for radiators and towel rails.
Aluminium radiators are lightweight and offer excellent heat conductivity.
They heat up quickly and are very energy efficient, but they are also more expensive than steel radiator designs.
You can learn more about the heating properties of aluminium radiators in our aluminium radiator guide.
Probably the most durable and enduring radiator material, cast iron radiator will last for many years.
The heaviest of the radiator materials you can choose from, cast iron takes a while to reach its top temperature, but will retain heat much longer than steel and aluminium.
Discover how cast iron radiator designs can make an impression in your home, by visiting our guide to modern cast iron radiators.
Step 4 – Consider the style of your radiatorRadiators come in many different styles, from modern to traditional.
Choosing a radiator that fits the style of your home can help to enhance its overall appearance.
Modern radiators are often sleek and minimalist in design, while traditional radiators can be more ornate and decorative.
Which style radiator you choose to buy is down to your own tastes and needs.
If you have a modern home, there is nothing stopping you from opting for a more traditional design should you want it.
While adding a modern radiator to a period property can also help to enhance the space in ways you may not have previously thought.
Step 5 – Choose your radiator’s colourYou may already have a colour in mind for your new radiator, and that’s great!
But, have you considered changing things up a bit and making your heating “cooler”?
At BestHeating, we have a broad collection of coloured designer radiators that can help you to add a touch of glamour to any space.
From white to black and everything in between, you are no longer tied to basic radiator colours.
You can mix and match, contrast with wall colours and get really creative in whatever way you like.
But, if you do want a white radiator for a classic style, we have plenty of white radiators to choose from too!
Step 6 – Remember energy-efficient featuresNot sure if a coloured radiator is for you?
Take our colour personality test to find out which radiator colour suits you best!
When choosing a radiator, it is important to look for energy-efficient features, such as thermostatic radiator valves and heat output controls.
These features can help to reduce your energy bills and ensure that your radiator is operating at peak efficiency.
For more info on how to optimise your home’s heating, check out our guide on radiator efficiency and performance.
Step 7 – Be sure to buy from a reputable supplierWe are not the only online radiator supplier.
However, you will benefit from expert advice, industry-leading product guarantees and award-winning customer service.
So, although you may have heard about other radiator outlets, why go anywhere else for your radiator fix, when we have it all at BestHeating?
A quick recap about how to buy a radiatorSo let’s have a quick recap on how to buy a radiator –
Now you know how to buy a radiator, all that’s left to do is go and choose the one you want!
We call it – “heating made cooler” – and so should you!
Frequently Asked Questions Additional radiator buying resourcesFor extra help in buying your new radiator, click on the links below.
The BestHeating radiator buying guide – our super in-depth guide on every radiator type and how to buy them at BestHeating (think of it as an extension to this guide you’re reading now!).
The top 5 vertical central heating radiators – an article exploring our favourite five vertical central heating radiators from the BestHeating collection.
Why purchase a bench radiator – join us as we explore this practical and stylish, alternative heating solution.
Vertical or horizontal radiators – Which is right for you? – our take on whether you should choose a vertical or a horizontal radiator for your chosen room.
John trained in journalism before finding his way to the BestHeating Advice Centre team. He uses his journalism skills to meticulously research heating topics and bring you the latest news and views on all things home heating related. He’ll also beat you at any sport that involves a cue!
Are you interested in learning more about what is the radiator in a car? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!