Rock Damage to Radiator

Are others experiencing rock damage to their radiator fins? It seems like tire tread is the perfect width to pick up and fling road rocks. Is there anything that others have done to prevent radiator damage other then stay away from other vehicles?

 

Yep if not for any other reason, I keep my distance mainly for paint chips. Can't believe all the shit that's on the roads these days

 

Satoshi grill with "small" mesh.

 

I feel ya. Around here it's mostly the gas well trucks flinging stones and shit. My red golf new windshield, my green one needs it and I almost had to buy a new windshield for my truck. I stay waaaaaaay back now!

 

So your tires are flinging rocks forwards and then they hook back and go into your radiator?? I'm not sure I understand but your rocks sound like Kennedys magic bullet.

Anyways your condensor on most vehicles is usually the furthest finned component twards the front of the vehicle. Most manufacturers due this by design as if road debris flies through your grill and damages something you lose A/C first before coolant and potentially eliminate a catastrophic overheat to the engine. Working in the industry I've replaced some condensors for road debris damage but not as many as you'd expect. The actual fins are not what holds the refridgerant ( or coolant if you really mean radiator ). The fins only add surface area to the channels that contain the liquid ( or gas for you auto savvy guys ) and act as a heat sink.

So what can you do to prevent this?? Not much. Get a radiator fin comb if it bothers you but avoid tailgating people especially on the highway. mostly the damage is just cosmetic so don't sweat the small stuff. Almost all cars take debris to the face all day. They are kinda made for it. Look at all the tiny rock chips on your hood and windshield eventually and realize your condensor takes the majority of it. Also know that everyone else on the road is dealing with the same thing and there's not radiators and condensors being replaced by the thousands.

Anyways just drive it and stay away from chasing that car full of chicks down that sketchy gravel road

 

If you are seriously having that much trouble with rocks getting in there causing damage then you should probably try mounting a piece of screen in behind the grille as it would still allow airflow but stop the majority of debris from coming thru.