Car heater matrix

Heat exchanger serves to transfer heat between two media without their direct contact. They are separated by a thermally conductive material. Heat exchanger is used for the vehicle heating. It is also referred to as a heating radiator. There is exchange of thermal energy of air and cooling liquid. As a separation medium aluminium is used. Through the heat exchanger or heating radiator cooling liquid that is heated by the running engine flows. The heat is transferred to air. The heated air is directed into the interior and provides heat.

Since the heat exchanger is effective only when the cooling liquid has a relatively high temperature, it takes some time to start the heating in a vehicle. The fan flows air through the heat exchanger at low speed. In addition, the heating effect can be controlled by fans. If the heating does not work, a defective heat exchanger may be the cause. Sometimes the access lines are blocked. Another reason of malfunction may be a worn-out gasket.

Replacement of the heat exchanger can be a very complicated task, depending on the place of installation. Often it is necessary to disassemble many other details to reach the heat exchanger. However, heating radiators are not particularly susceptible to wear, so it usually serves the entire lifetime of the car. Still, if it is necessary to replace the heat exchanger, in our online shop you will find the best offer. Do you need other spare car parts, like crankcase, steering gear pump, oil filter, oil pad, pendulum support, wheel arch or wheel bearing? In our online store there is a wide assortment of spare car parts, so you can order any car part you need for your car model.

How to detect malfunction of the passenger compartment heating system radiator

Comprehensive diagnostics of the radiator and detecting leakages of the working fluid require its dismantling. However, you can learn whether the component is clogged as follows: touch the inlet and outlet pipes of the component with your hand. Significant difference in their temperatures indicates clogging of the system.

You may notice that the passenger compartment heating system radiator requires diagnostics by the following symptoms:

• constant decrease of the working fluid level without visible leakages;
• appearance of stains of coolant on the mats under the driver's or the front passenger's feet;
• odor of coolant in the passenger compartment;
• greasy film on the windscreen;
• windows misting up inside the passenger compartment;
• air vents deliver cool air, while the fan works well.

The reasons of passenger compartment heating system radiator malfunctions

Incorrect operation of the passenger compartment heating system radiator is often caused by its external fouling. This process may be accelerated by failure to service the cabin filter according to the prescribed schedule.

The reason of radiator failure may also be its internal clogging. During vehicle operation, hard deposits accumulate in the channels of the radiator and in adjacent connecting pipes, which results in system blocking and antifreeze leakage. Besides, clogging may be the result of simultaneous use of two incompatible working fluids. Due to their different chemical compositions, coagulation takes place, and the viscous mass sticks on the walls of the channels. In the winter, radiators may fail due to the ingress of snow into the air intake.

Loss of tightness of the component often occurs due to metal pipes corrosion caused by regular exposure to moisture. As for mechanical damage of the component and its deformation, it is most often caused by incorrect installation.

Repairing heater radiator

Sometimes, normal operation of the heater can be restored by just cleaning the radiator. Many models can be washed in a special fluid. This should be done only in cases when the component has no mechanical damages. It is problematic to repair the component yourself, so it is recommended to entrust this task to competent specialists.

Replacing the passenger compartment heating system radiator

Dismantling the old radiator and installing a new one is easy. Depending of the vehicle model, the procedure may be different; however, there are general guidelines. In particular, drain the fluid from the heating system before dismantling it. In addition, the state of adjacent pipes and the drain tap should be checked during replacement. In case of damage or corrosion, they are to be replaced. Gaskets are to be replaced together with the radiator. After completing the work, fill the radiator with working fluid, start the engine and make sure the system is fluid-tight.