There are several factors that can cause your car to overheat, but they all have one common denominator; the radiator. It's not hard to tell when your car needs a new radiator to cool your engine. Your car or truck's thermostat will let you know if your engine is running hot. Other subtle clues might include copious amounts of steam coming out from under your hood like a heard of wild horses. The thermostat regulates water flow in the engine. When the water temperatures are cold, it closes and when they are high, the thermostat opens allowing the water pump to circulate water. Your thermostat is critical to the correct proportion and circulation of water throughout your engine and is typically located on the outlet side or inlet side of the engine.

Water pumps of course physically distribute the flow of water throughout your cooling system. The speed at which your water pump turns is important and may determine how much horsepower you're using to regulate the flow of water. Auto parts distributors sell different types of water pumps that may be performance specific to your engine. If you find that you need a new water pump, you should consult with a certified auto mechanic, preferably at an auto parts distributor where they might be less motivated to perform a potentially unnecessary procedure on your car.

Your engine fan also plays a key role in maintaining the appropriate temperature. Engine driven fans and electric fans may vary in position and function, however many people find the electric fan is better for reducing engine drag and offer the added benefit of being able to be installed in different locations. It is a good idea to reduce engine drag by installing your fan on the engine side of the radiator so as not to impede the flow of air. Fans located on the outside of the engine are called pusher fans but may block portions of the core. Ceiling fans have been proven not to work. Trust me on this one. They belong in your house and make poor substitutes you automotive fans.

Finally, the radiator itself is the heartbeat of your car's cooling system. Typically a radiator consists of two plastic or metal tanks and a metal core section. The core of your radiator consists of rows of fins. The thicker the core section of your radiator is the more cooling capacity it contains. The fins, a metal honeycomb of heat air distribution can become bent or clogged, causing your engine to not get the cooling it needs. This is common in old radiators, usually ones that were new when the first Bush was in office and rock bands were still using synthesizers and sporting gravity defying hairstyles. The most common problem in radiators occurs when one of the side tanks becomes cracked. Purchasing a reliable new radiator is a piece of cake if you do your homework.

Several reputable companies manufacture radiators. Griffin, Modine, Visteon, Koyo and Valeo make fantastic aftermarket and OEM radiators.

You can purchase these parts and even have them delivered to your door if you prefer having someone you know and trust install it for you. Radiator installation usually takes about an hour if you have the right tools. If you're looking for an upgrade radiator, an all aluminum radiator might last longer and provide more cooling. Whether you drive a Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Cadillac, BMW or Jeep, the radiator you select must match the dimensions of the one you're pulling out. Learn how to measure a radiator here. Contacting a part tech might insure piece of mind. More and more people are ordering their radiators from nation wide distributors who eat the shipping costs and deliver cooling parts to your door, whether it's a small a/c condenser or a Mustang radiator. Price around and don't pay more than you have to for your radiator.

Radiators.com, a growing nation-wide car parts distributor is a seven day a week operation that can accommodate any customer with almost any cooling situation. Kragen radiator, Auto Zone Radiator and Napa Auto Parts are also reputable and offer competitive pricing.