Radiator tanks are fundamental components that keep an automobile moving. Minor damage to this component can stop your vehicle, which shows how essential an ordinary-looking radiator tank is. Some users often assume the choice regarding plastic radiator tanks could be bad. The reason is the heat, pressure, and vibrations near the engine, which can cause consistent threats to the plastic tank. However, it can survive longer than an expert can imagine. It does so through its different types that fit various applications.
You can find not only one but four types of plastic radiator tank mold in the automotive industry. Each type has a specific advantage over the others. Some have more customizability and lightweight bodies, and some have better durability and higher resistance to wear and tear. Each type meets the specific requirements of automobile users.
• Polyamide radiator tanks
• Polypropylene radiator tanks
• Fiberglass radiator tanks
• Polyethylene terephthalate radiator tanks
Many reasons behind the success of auto radiator tanks that make global users prefer it in certain conditions. These conditions are related to budget limits, flexibility of production, car type, and living conditions. All the reasons below will make things clear for you.
The first reason your car needs a plastic radiator tank is its lightweight body. This weight factor has a great impact on a car's overall efficiency. The fuel average is affected by the load inside a car. The heavier it gets, the slower it will drive. Therefore, plastic provides a lighter structure than metal.
You don’t need a mechanic to weld the radiator tank. Unless it is made of metal, you can repair it yourself. You only need epoxy to fill every hole and crack in a plastic radiator tank. Tiny damages can not bother you for long when you have epoxy to repair. Even if it has significant damage, you can replace it with a new, affordable one.
Since plastic is cheap, it is less expensive than a metal tank. As a result, replacing the radiator tank is very affordable. However, going for a metallic tank will be more costly than almost all types of plastic tanks.
Since water and coolant are filled inside the radiator tank, you can expect the risk of corrosion. However, if the radiator tank is plastic, there will be no such risk. There will also be no risk of corrosion-based cracks and holes.
Another major advantage of plastic radiator tanks is customization. Plastic’s high moldability makes it easily customizable. There will hardly be any kind of automobile whose design can not be compatible with plastic radiator tanks. All it takes is a custom mold, and the results will be available in the form of a custom plastic radiator tank.
Everything has some limitations, and so do plastic radiator tanks. These limitations make them an insufficient choice for some automobiles and environmental conditions.
Plastic does not last long in extreme conditions. Since automobiles have engines inside, the heat of the engine and other parts can damage plastic radiator tanks. This extreme condition makes plastic radiator tanks a weak component in some conditions. Therefore, they are a less durable choice than metallic options.
Many components cause vibrations, which cause problems for surrounding parts unless they are made of durable material. Plastic radiator tanks can not bear extreme conditions of shocks and vibrations for a long time. Because of their short durability, they start having cracks and holes. This is the problem with rubber and plastic components, which is why they are replaced faster than metal components.
Extreme heat can deform plastic; the same can happen to plastic radiator tanks. However, they are made of heavy-duty plastic like PET, PP, fiberglass, and PA. Even some conditions, like scorching weather and an engine’s overheating, can cause damage. These conditions make it hard for plastic radiator tanks to survive long, unlike metal types.
Some harsh coolants can damage plastic radiator tanks and cause wear and tear inside them if the concentration is high. Some plastic types have low resistance to highly concentrated coolants. That’s why it could be a problem for automobiles if the plastic tanks are not compatible with the coolant type.
Lastly, plastic does not decompose, and it takes over 100 years for that to happen. That makes these tanks a problem for the environment. This concern will always be a main highlight unless many discarded plastic tanks are recycled.
Most modern radiators' top and bottom tanks (in cars) are made of plastic. However, these aren’t all plastics; they are specialized engineering plastics built to resist heat, pressure, and chemicals.
Materials Engineers Used: Glass-reinforced nylon (PA66-GF30) (Also referred to as Nylon 66, this product includes 30% glass fiber in its polyamide 66 base)
Can It Handle 200°F?
Yes, absolutely.
200°F (≈93°C) is well within the safe operating range for PA66-GF30.
In fact, Most radiators operate between 190°F to 220°F. This material is designed for exactly that environment
Used In:
Other Variants Sometimes Used
The automobile industry focuses on lightweight components that offer durability and strength. This helps them produce vehicles that give better averages than previous models. Every new model is better than the previous one regarding the components' material quality and weight. Radiator tanks are among those components that are crucial for every automobile. When it comes to plastic, it fulfills most requirements but also leaves some limitations.
1. Are radiator tanks made of plastic built to last?
Yes, today’s plastic radiator tanks are constructed from polymers like nylon-reinforced plastic, which can tolerate both heat and high pressure. However, constant heating and aging can cause them to become brittle.
2. What are the reasons radiator plastic tanks crack or develop leaks?
The leading causes of cracks or leaks in pipes are overheating, pressure inside the pipes, using low-quality materials, or exposure to hot temperatures for an extended period. Aging plastic may become breakable and likely to crack.
3. Can I just replace the plastic tank in my radiator?
Yes, that is true in many situations. If the radiator core is fine, you only have to replace the plastic tank. It may be cheaper than getting a new radiator.
4. What kind of plastic is used to build radiator tanks?
Most plastic radiator tanks are made from PA66 or PA6 because they are highly strong, heat-resistant, and durable.
5. Is fixing a cracked plastic radiator tank using epoxy alright?
Epoxy is helpful for small cracks, but it won’t last long. Replacing the tank or the entire radiator allows for better results. To learn more about the effect of epoxy in radiator, Visit now!
6. How much will buying a new plastic radiator tank cost?
Prices for a new tank range from $50 to $150, but they do not include labor, as they depend on the vehicle you have. Replacing the entire radiator can be more expensive.
7. Can radiator plastic tanks be made into new products?
It is possible to recycle many plastic tanks, though one must first clean them and bring them to a facility that accepts this type of plastic.
8. What is the average lifespan of a plastic radiator tank?
A plastic radiator tank usually lasts 5 to 10 years, depending on its usage, the surrounding climate, and regular maintenance. For more details, Click Here!
The automotive industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and materials continually
READ FULLMost of us don't think about our car’s radiator plastic tank until we have to. One day, eve
READ FULLThe process of locating the correct plastic tanks to use in an auto radiator seems like looking f
READ FULL