If you are a vehicle owner, then you might want to educate yourself about some of the important parts and components that are used to make your vehicle run. For example, you might be curious about the heat exchanger. These are some of the things that you'll want to know about the heat exchanger in your car. 

They're Commonly Known as Radiators

First of all, if you have never heard of a heat exchanger—despite knowing a little bit about the important parts in cars—then it could be because you know it by another name. Heat exchangers in vehicles are commonly known as radiators. Therefore, if you're shopping for a new heat exchanger for your car or are talking to an automotive repair technician about installing a new one in your vehicle, then you might need to mention the term "radiator."

They Do a Very Important Job

If you don't know anything about heat exchangers in cars, then you should definitely think about educating yourself if you would like to keep your car in good condition. After all, the heat exchanger does the very important job of preventing some of your vehicle's most important and expensive components—such as your engine—from overheating. If something goes wrong with your heat exchanger and you don't address the issue immediately, then permanent and expensive damage can be done to your vehicle's motor. Therefore, you should learn about the signs of radiator damage and should watch out for these signs—such as if your vehicle's temperature gauge starts climbing—so you can take action immediately if something goes wrong.

There Are Other Components

Your car's heat exchanger has other components that work along with it so that it will work properly. Your vehicle should have a water pump, for example. Additionally, you should have radiator hoses. To be sure that your vehicle's heat exchanger works like it's supposed to, you will need to make sure that all of these components work properly, too. Luckily, some of the components that work along with your radiator are actually fairly cheap and easy to purchase and install. For example, if something goes wrong with one of your radiator hoses—such as if it begins to develop dry rot due to age—then you should be able to purchase a new one from an auto parts store near you for a relatively low price. Installing the hoses is a pretty quick and easy job, too, and you might even be able to do it yourself.