Heavy Truck Radiator

Heavy truck radiators are built tough, but they still face several common threats due to the harsh environments and intense demands of long-haul or vocational trucking.

Below are the key causes of damage to heavy truck radiators:

Cause Damage Prevention Tip
Vibration/stress Cracks, fatigue, and twisted core. Use reinforced mounts and headers.
Coolant neglect Internal corrosion and electrolysis. Maintain proper coolant and additives.
Overheating/ overpressure Blown seals and core rupture. Monitor cooling system and fans.
Debris impact Punctured tubes and crushed fins. Use bug screens and use care when cleaning.
Poor grounding Electrolysis pinholes. Check ground straps.
Improper installation Twisted frame and stress leaks. Follow installation instructions carefully.
Salt and moisture Corrosion and seal failure. Wash salts off and use corrosion inhibitors.

If you're running a truck in severe duty (e.g. off-road, mining, or long mountain hauls) and the application was designed for it, a steel-tank radiator with a copper-brass core from Dura‑Lite offers the best resistance to many of these threats, especially vibration, thermal stress, and road impact.

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