Radiator

If you’re looking for a new radiator for your car, knowing what you’re looking for can help you streamline your search. We'll cover what exactly a radiator is and the different types that are available.

What is a Radiator?

A car's radiator is the device that helps prevent the car's engine from overheating. It's a central part of the car's cooling system, and it helps make sure that every single part of your car is operating at the correct temperatures by allowing heat exchange between hot coolant and the air that passes by the car.

If your car overheats, you could be dealing with extremely expensive damage (possibly to your engine). Your goal is to make sure that your radiator remains in good shape so that your car continues to run smoothly.

How do Radiators Work?

Acting as a heat exchanger, the radiator transfers heat from coolant to help cool down car engine. The coolant is distributed throughout the system with a water pump. Once the coolant has reached the maximum temperature, it's distributed back down to the radiator, which cools the fluid down using a cooling fan and the passing air from outside of the car. Once the fluid is cooled, it makes its way back up to the water pump, and the entire process begins again.

Different Types of Radiators

- This part is a direct-fit replacement on most cars, meaning you can get a part that is built to fit your car for a relatively straightforward replacement.
- We also carry universal radiators, which are more work to install, but can be retrofitted onto a car that no longer has parts made for it.

How to Find the Right Fit

As said before, most cars’ radiators is made to perfectly fit with the cooling system. We make finding the part that fits your vehicle easy. Simply enter the year, make, model, and engine at the top of this page, and we’ll show you the parts that fit.

Choosing Your Radiator Replacement

Feel to stop by AutoZone and ask an AutoZoner about a radiator replacement for your vehicle, or use the part finder at the top of this page. We have a wide variety of makes and models, including a Ford Mustang radiator and Ford F150 radiators. You can also take advantage of AutoZone's Same Day Store Pickup program when you order online.