What Do Car Radiators Do?

What car radiators do is simple: they keep an engine running cooler. This helps prevent overheating. How car radiators work, though, is more complex. Inside your Nissan, the process starts with coolant. This liquid has perhaps the most important job in the process. As it flows through your radiator hose and back and forth between an inlet and an outlet, it absorbs heat -- the heat your engine produces as it runs. As the fluid travels, a radiator cap compresses it so it can take on maximum heat. Your radiator core's fins then expel the collected heat, and a fan disperses it into the air nearby. The result: your engine works the best it can, and because of that, it lasts longer.

Symptoms of a Bad Radiator

When a factory radiator goes bad, however, it can cause all kinds of trouble. Your HVAC system can malfunction, and your engine can overheat and fail. Luckily, you can spot radiator problems easily. Fin damage is the most obvious sign. More specific symptoms include abnormal noise coming from your engine, coolant turning to sludge, and a sweet, syrupy smell. The last is ethylene glycol, and it indicates a coolant leak. If you think your radiator is close to failure, check your temperature gauge. It's a precise way to tell if your engine's running hot. Then, do a complete inspection.

Order a Genuine Nissan Radiator Online

If the results call for replacement, avoid aftermarket radiators. The genuine Nissan article will fit your model best. Our auto parts store has plenty, and you can order a new one online. Buying is as easy as a few clicks, too. Check another job off your list of DIY to-dos and order now!

21441JK20A - Cooling System: Radiator Drain Plug Gasket for Nissan Image

Radiator Drain Plug Gasket

Nissan 21441JK20A
2013-20, lower. 2009-12, lower. To 08/2018. 2011-12, lower.
Positions: Lower
$21.06 CAD
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Fits Your Vehicle
748N33NF0A - Body: Under Cover for Nissan Image

Under Cover

Nissan 748N33NF0A
Front. This item is non-returnable.
Positions: Rear Forward
$76.98 CAD
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155800521 - Belts & Cooling: Charge Air Cooler Pipe Clamp Clamp Hose Clip for Nissan Image

Charge Air Cooler Pipe Clamp Clamp Hose Clip

Nissan 0155800521
Driver side. Passenger side. Left cooler. #2. Right cooler. #2. Inverter Cooling. 2011-12 front. 2011-12 ptc heater & components. Charge...
$6.92 CAD
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214415V000 - Belts & Cooling: Radiator Drain Plug Gasket for Nissan Image

Radiator Drain Plug Gasket

Nissan 214415V000
2013-20. 2009-12. From 08/2018. 2011-12, lower.
Positions: Lower
$9.97 CAD
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Fits Your Vehicle
748N23NF0A - Body: Under Cover for Nissan Image

Under Cover

Nissan 748N23NF0A
2013-17. rear. This item is non-returnable.
Positions: Rear
$76.97 CAD
View Details
Fits Your Vehicle
15532DR9A - Body: Charge Air Cooler Clip Clamp Spare Tire Clip Tool Clip Trim Grommet for Nissan Image

Charge Air Cooler Clip Clamp Spare Tire Clip Tool Clip Trim Grommet

Nissan 015532DR9A
94 clips required for all six (rear/luggage) panels . Option: Attaching Clip (94 req. for 6 Panel Inst). (Wall panels help keep your...
Positions: Front, LEFT, RIGHT
$3.06 CAD
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