Radiators do not burn fuel. They are heat exchangers designed to dissipate heat from a hot liquid, typically coolant, to maintain the optimal operating temperature of an engine or other equipment. The fuel is burned in the engine's combustion chamber, not in the radiator. This is a common misconception, as radiators are often associated with the cooling system, which is powered by the engine's heat.

The primary function of a radiator is to transfer heat from the coolant to the surrounding air. This is achieved through the use of fins and tubes, which increase the surface area for heat exchange. The coolant absorbs heat from the engine, flows through the radiator, and releases the heat to the air. The process is driven by the engine's cooling fan, which blows air over the radiator's surface, facilitating the heat transfer.

Data from the U.S. Department of Energy indicates that the average car engine operates at temperatures between 195°F and 220°F (90°C to 104°C). Radiators are designed to maintain these temperatures by dissipating excess heat. The coolant, which typically consists of a mixture of water and antifreeze, circulates through the engine and radiator, absorbing heat and then releasing it to the air. This process is crucial for preventing engine overheating, which can lead to severe damage.

In summary, radiators do not burn fuel; they are passive components in the cooling system that facilitate the dissipation of heat from the coolant. The fuel is burned in the engine's combustion chamber, and the radiator's role is to manage the heat generated by this process.