Here’s Everything You Need To Know Before Buying An Aftermarket Radiator

The radiator of your car is one of the most crucial components under the hood. With that said, just like other parts of your car, the radiator undergoes wear and tear and in some cases, even physical damage.

Similarly, just like the other parts, the radiator has a finite life and will need to be replaced after a point. When the time to replace the radiator comes, car owners have two broad choices- either replace the radiator with the same model OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) radiator or with an aftermarket radiator.

Before we get into the details of which radiator is better for your car, let’s briefly understand what a radiator does:

What Does A Radiator Do?

Simply put, the radiator is responsible for regulating the temperature of your car’s engine. It performs this function with the help of a coolant that flows to the different parts of the engine and absorbs the heat. The hot coolant then flows back to the radiator where the radiator fins absorb the heat and the radiator fan cools it down again.

If you want to learn more about how car radiators work, you can refer to this guide.

There are two major varieties of radiators that can be found in most vehicles:

Downflow Radiators: Downflow radiators are those in which the radiator tanks are located on the top and bottom of the tubes. Downflow radiators were popular in older vehicles but are now becoming obsolete because they are large and hunky and require more space in the engine bay.

Crossflow Radiators: The tanks of crossflow radiators are located on either side of the tubes. Crossflow radiators are sleek and efficient and thus, are very popular among car owners these days.
There are several online brands for every type of radiators be it a car radiator or a room radiator. You can also check this site for tall vertical radiators as well as the best car radiators you can get your hands on.

Why Buy An Aftermarket Radiator Instead Of An OEM Radiator?

It is logical to think that the radiator that originally came with your car should be replaced with the same kind of OEM radiator. However, this line of thought does not account for technological advancements.

After a car is launched, its shortcomings in dealing with real-world situations are revealed. That is when aftermarket parts manufacturers create spare parts that can deliver better efficiency than the OEM parts.

If you drive an older car that still uses a downflow radiator, replacing it with an aftermarket crossflow radiator will help you improve the performance of your car. Moreover, if you choose the aftermarket radiator carefully, you can find one that is far more durable than the one being offered by your manufacturer.

How To Choose A Website For Buying A Radiator?

These days, visiting a market or a shop is not safe. Even when there isn’t a global pandemic lurking in the air, ordering car parts online can save you a lot of effort. Not to forget, ordering spare parts online also saves you from the danger of damage that can be potentially caused during transportation.

When purchasing aftermarket radiators online, make sure you do it from a reliable website. To verify the authenticity of the website, make sure you check out the reviews on multiple platforms.

It is also advisable to pay attention to the founding date of the website (most reliable businesses will mention it on the homepage). If it’s a newer website, it is advisable to avoid them.

However, when you do find the right website, you can order an aftermarket radiator or even an OEM radiator for a bargain price.


Buying car parts online is a great way to save on car repair costs, just like doing minor repairs yourself. However, when it comes to installing a radiator, our advice is to seek the services of a professional.