Truck radiators are generally larger and more robust than those in passenger cars because:

• Truck engines produce more heat (due to higher power and longer operation times).
• They require heavier-duty cooling systems to handle steep grades, towing loads, and extreme weather.

Radiators for trucks remove excess heat from the engine through three main heat transfer mechanisms:

Conduction:

• Heat is transferred from the engine coolant (usually a mix of water and antifreeze) to the metal tubes of the radiator.
• This happens because the engine generates a lot of heat due to combustion and friction.

Convection:

• Heat moves from the metal of the radiator to the air passing through the radiator fins.
• This is often aided by fans (either mechanical or electric) and the movement of the truck itself.

Radiation:

• A small amount of heat is radiated from the radiator surface, but this plays a lesser role compared to conduction and convection.

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