Flashcard 17 - Auto and Shop Information Flashcard Set for the ASVAB

The radiator cools the coolant by transferring heat from the coolant to the air.

In a car, the engine gets very hot when it runs. To keep it from getting too hot, cars have a cooling system. Part of this system is called the radiator. The radiator has coolant fluid inside it that absorbs heat from the engine and then moves to the radiator. When air passes over or through the radiator (like when you’re driving), it cools down this fluid by taking away some of its heat. This cooled fluid goes back into the engine to pick up more heat and keep it at a safe temperature. Think of it like how sweating helps cool you down on a hot day; as your sweat evaporates, it takes some of your body’s heat with it.