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What are Radiator Fans in Cars

August 29, 2025

Radiator fans regulate engine temperature by pulling cool air through the radiator. Key components include fan blades, motor, clutch, and shroud for optimal cooling efficiency.


Car radiator fans, also known as engine cooling fans, regulate engine temperature by pulling cooler air from outside through the car’s radiator. They employ a mechanical or electrical principle.

Different Parts of Car Radiator Fans

The radiator fan is an important component of vehicles since it helps prevent engine damage from overheating. It is usually placed between the radiator and the engine of a vehicle or sometimes between the grille and the car's radiator. Car radiator fans come in different types and are commonly composed of the following parts:

  1. Fan Blades

The blades help to blow air via the radiator for bringing in the cooling effect. Depending on the shape of these blades, curved or straight, radiation fans can produce different levels of noise.

  1. Fan Motor

The fan motor drives the fan blades to create airflow through its components, such as an armature, permanent magnets, housing, brushes, and a commutator. It is the most intensively working part of the fan and, therefore, undergoes the most wear and tear.

  1. Fan Clutch

The fan clutch, which engages or disengages the device as needed, controls the operation of a mechanical radiator fan. Fan clutches can be thermal or non-thermal.

  1. Fan Shroud

This metallic or plastic layer surrounding the fan assembly shrouds it for streamlining airflow towards the radiator, thereby preventing wastage.

Conclusion

The radiator fan is a key part of a vehicle’s cooling system that starts automatically upon overheating. It needs to be kept working at peak efficiency for optimum temperature management.