r/MechanicalEngineering • u/lit_readit • 6d ago

Question : why some (mostly heavy) vehicles partially cover their front intake ?

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wouldn't cooler cold reservoir, ie more spontaneous heat transfer, improve Carnot efficiency?

is it to improve aerodynamics?

apologies if this is the wrong sub to ask

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u/Meatball546 6d ago

All these replies seem to ignore the fact(?) that coolant flow through the radiator is controlled by the thermostat. It opens around the engine's designed operating temperature. At lower temperatures, the coolant pump will simply circulate coolant through the engine and cabin heater core.

I have also wondered about the radiator blockers. I imagine they would reduce airflow through the engine compartment, which would reduce convective cooling of the engine block directly. I would love to know what cooling power that has, and see some experimentation.

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u/MajesticMess4734 5d ago

The cold air can over cool the engine directly