Performance Radiators - What Makes Them Better?
Simply adding the word "performance" or "quality" to the name of a product does not necessarily mean it's significantly better than its "common" counterpart. Often times, you'll see the term "performance" associated with automobiles but does it really mean you're getting a better product? When it comes to radiators … the answer is a resounding yes.

In The Beginning
More than 100 years ago Karl Benz (no, not that one, he preceded Mercedes Benz) conceived the idea for the automobile water radiator - a simple component of the car that would revolutionize the automobile industry. Because internal combustion engines routinely have the tendency to overheat, the necessity of a mechanism to cool combustion engines became readily apparent.

So, basically, how does a radiator work? First, fluid--water and antifreeze-- travels from a closed system from the radiator to the engine where it conducts heat away from the engine parts. It then flows through a thermostat that controls the rate of flow back to the radiator where it's cooled again by convection with the air. Through this process, the radiator keeps the engine cool.

Evolution
The radiator was initially composed of copper tubes and has evolved, over the years, to its current aluminum construction. Today, car engines cannot function properly without a radiator--in fact, it's one of the most essential parts of your car. Because radiators are so crucial to your engine's operation, designers, mechanics and engineers are constantly striving to design performance radiators that have a longer lifespan and accomplish more than simply cooling the engine.

Performance Is Better, But Why?
When the time comes to replace or repair your car's radiator, installing a performance radiator may be a viable option to consider. First and foremost, a performance radiator is custom-designed for a specific make and model of car. In other words, no universal parts are used. This ensures the optimum fit of your replacement radiator similar to that of your original equipment. But that's not all. A performance radiator typically also has the following capabilities:

• Provides 20% to 30% more cooling than standard radiators
• Handles high revving, high performance motors
• Made from aircraft-quality aluminum which means they're a better grade of alloy and will ultimately last longer

When you combine all of the elements of a performance radiator, the end result, regardless of the brand you choose, is a radiator that will last longer and significantly improve the performance of your engine and your vehicle. It's a smart, safe investment that will ultimately safeguard you from the inconvenience and cost of taking your car to the repair shop as well as give you the peace of mind that your engine is functioning safely and reliably.