Radiators & Parts for Honda CR-V

Radiators and Parts for Honda CR-V

The radiator in your Honda CR-V keeps the engine running at the right temperature by diverting excess heat away from the parts of the engine components. Having a high-quality, reliable radiator is one of the most important ways to keep your SUV running smoothly. Knowing how radiators work, why they go bad, and how to fix them will help you keep your vehicle on the road.

The radiator works with the exhaust system of your cooling system. When your engine reaches a certain temperature, the thermostat tells the radiator to release coolant and water to absorb the excess heat and direct it back to the surface of the radiator. Then, the fan and outside air that comes in through the vents cool the fluids more so they can be cycled back through the cooling system.

Any of these situations can be a sign of a serious problem with your Honda CR-V radiator:

• Thermostat failure: If it doesnt work, the radiator wont know when its time to do its job.
• Cooling system obstructions and trapped air: Physical damage or a build-up of debris that can be in view can restrict the flow of air and fluids to and from your radiator.
• Radiator or hose leaks: Steam coming from the radiators surface or coolant and water coming from any of the hoses is evidence of a leak.
• Water pump failure: A broken water pump wont allow coolant and water to circulate properly through your radiator. This will cause your CR-V to overheat quickly.
• A broken or damaged fan: If your SUV heats up while idling or at low speeds, that could signal a problem with the fan.

Radiators with electronically activated or electric fan modules generally wont make any noise because the fan stays off when the belt is broken. The only way to tell if there is a problem with the belt is when your SUV starts to overheat. In some vehicles, the radiator fan runs continuously regardless if the belt is broken. Youll hear a ticking or pinging noise caused by the belt hitting the back of the radiator core.

• Youll need the year, trim level, engine size, and transmission type to find radiators that match the specs for your CR-V.
• Decide if you need a crossflow or downflow style radiator. Crossflow radiators cool more efficiently and are a good option if you need a higher performance radiator. Downflow radiators may fit well in a smaller, older compartment.
• Understand the difference between copper and aluminum radiators. Many Honda cars and trucks were manufactured with a copper-brass radiator. However, others have radiators built with a lighter weight aluminum that is stronger than copper-brass, so they cool more efficiently.
• Finally, consider your driving conditions. If you drive in extreme heat conditions or in areas where the Honda SUV sits idling for long periods of time, you may want to consider a high-performance radiator.