Aluminum has a number of features which make it superior to the other non-ferrous metals (copper and brass) normally used for radiators in the past.
Apart from the low specific weight, there are additional advantages, such as outstanding heat conductivity, strength, corrosion resistance and convenient forming and processing qualities.
Brazed aluminum radiators with flat tubes and louvered serpentine fins are used for high horsepower engines and/or in confined spaces, while mechanically assembled round tube or oval tube radiators are preferred for smaller engines and/or where there is sufficient space.
The excellent field results with car radiators have led to the use of aluminum radiators in trucks as well.
More than 10 million fluxless brazed flat tube radiators with serpentine fins have been manufactured by Behr since 1975. Serial production for trucks was started in 1988.
Since the 1970s, the weight of radiator systems in cars and vans has been reduced by more than 50% or approximately 5 to 7 kg, accounting for up to 1% of the vehicle weight in a mid-size European car. In conjunction with aerodynamic design measures, fuel savings in the VDA 1/3 mix of up to 0.1 litres/100 km are feasible.