A cars radiator is a central part of the engines cooling system. Responsible for removal of heat from the engine coolant, the radiator system cools the liquid by allowing fresh external air to pass over a network of thin pipes, losing heat to the atmosphere.
The radiator is mounted across the front of the engine bay, where it is exposed to fresh air passing in through the front grille. A radiator fan cowling ensures that the airflow is directed over the radiator funnelled fresh air onto the radiators cores. Additionally the radiator fan cowling houses a fan which allows for additional airflow when required.
Due to heat exposure the radiator fan cowling can become brittle over time and should be replaced if any significant damage is sustained to ensure efficient cooling action of the radiator is maintained.