An aftermarket radiator can enhance the performance and lifespan of you or your customer’s machine. But why should you consider an aftermarket radiator from West End Radiators? Let’s get into it!

This Post Covers:

What is an aftermarket radiator?
What are the main differences between an aftermarket rad and the OEM?
Is an aftermarket radiator cheaper than going with the OEM?
Are aftermarket radiators good?
Are aluminum radiators better than OEM?
Do aftermarket radiators cool better?
How long does an aftermarket radiator last?
How to choose the right aftermarket radiator?
Can I install an aftermarket rad in my machine or HD truck myself?
How do I prevent leaks in an aftermarket rad?
Can I mix an aftermarket rad with OEM cooling system parts?
Top Aftermarket Radiators

What is an aftermarket radiator?

An aftermarket radiator is a radiator manufactured by a company that isn’t the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This is what we do here at West End Rad!

Aftermarket rads are uniquely customizable, higher performing and typically much longer-lasting than purchasing from the OEM.

What are the main differences between an aftermarket rad and the OEM?

Aftermarket radiators give customers more flexibility and value than OEM options.

How? Because aftermarket manufacturers often allow for customization (such as core thickness and fin spacing) and improve on weak points found in OEM designs.

Aftermarket rads are also mainly made out of stronger materials like copper-brass and aluminum.

Whereas OEM rads are usually a mix of aluminum and plastic, leading to higher risk or cracks and leaks.

Is an aftermarket radiator cheaper than going with the OEM?

Yes! While aftermarket radiators can have a slightly higher upfront cost, they offer greater savings in the long run.

How exactly?

Because of their durability, customizability and efficiency.

This means your rad will require less maintenance. And therefore, less money!

Keep in mind, the cost of an aftermarket radiator is also dependent on the size, material and application.

For example, an aftermarket rad for a large piece of oil & gas equipment will come at a higher cost than an aftermarket rad for a semi-truck.

Are aftermarket radiators good?

Yes! High-quality aftermarket radiators are a reliable choice for many heavy-duty industries such as:

Here are some key advantages of aftermarket rads:

Customization
At West End Rad, we manufacture aluminum and copper-brass radiators tailored to your exact cooling needs. With our custom part builder, you can design a heat exchanger made to take on your toughest jobs.

Higher Performance
Aftermarket complete radiators can handle extreme conditions like high temperatures, heavy loads or continuous operation. As a result, your equipment can keep working without overheating.

Longer-Lasting
Unlike many OEM radiators, we build our aftermarket rads with heavier-duty materials. This added strength means better durability and a longer service life. Therefore, saving you money in the long run.

Are aluminum radiators better than OEM?

At West End Rad, our aluminum cores are stronger, heavier duty and longer lasting compared to the OEM.

Why?

Because our aluminum cores have thicker headers, customizable fin spacing, and our tubes have a heavier wall and nose, which means there’s less chance of damage and corrosion failure.

For more information about how our aluminum radiators compare to the OEM, check out our blog post The Difference Between A WER Aluminum Core vs. The OEM.

Do aftermarket radiators cool better?

Yes! Aftermarket radiators are generally better at cooling than their OEM counterparts.

Here are a few reasons why they’re the better choice:

Materials
Aftermarket rads are often made from durable materials like copper-brass and aluminum. These metals dissipate heat faster and last longer than the aluminum/plastic combinations commonly found in OEM rads.

Design
With aftermarket rads, you can choose to have more fins, thicker cores and additional core tubes. These customizations boost cooling performance and help your radiator handle tougher operating conditions.

Fuel Efficiency
Many aftermarket radiators use advanced engineering that improves cooling and supports better fuel efficiency. Plus, they’re less prone to leaks, which means less downtime and lower long-term costs.

How long does an aftermarket radiator last?

The lifespan of an aftermarket complete radiator can be anywhere from 5-10 years with proper maintenance. However lifespan will greatly differ from one machine to the next, depending on working conditions and other preventative maintenance.

Your radiator’s lifespan depends on how you use it. Radiators that run daily for long periods wear out faster.

Further to that, rads in dirty conditions with frequent clogging may need a recore after just a few years.

To help prevent clogging issues, we can custom-build radiators tailored to your specific operating conditions, ensuring better performance and longer life.

For example, we have reverse-engineered farming rads to prevent daily clogging by manufacturing a custom core with 8 fins per inch, instead of the 14 fins per inch as supplied by the OEM. We also installed a custom fan, adding in a bi-directional component to help keep the radiator as clean as possible.

Check out our full case study on this feed lot truck to learn more!

How to choose the right aftermarket radiator?

Choosing the right aftermarket radiator is essential to keep your equipment running smoothly and avoid downtime. So, it’s important to consider factors like material, cooling capacity and customization.

We have a couple of guides that can help you choose the right aftermarket rad with confidence!

For more information about aluminum and copper-brass rads, check out our blog post Aluminum Radiators vs. Copper-Brass Radiators – Understanding The Key Differences & Advantages.

If you’re unsure about whether to go with a standard heat exchanger or a custom one, check out our Guide to Standardized Cores vs. Custom Cores.

Can I install an aftermarket rad in my machine or HD truck myself?

Yes! Installing an aftermarket rad is just like installing an OEM radiator. As long as you have the proper skill set to install a radiator, you should be set!

If you don’t have the right skills to put in a rad yourself, we can help! At West End Rad, we offer a remove and replace service at our Winnipeg location.

This means you can drive your heavy-duty truck right into our shop and our mechanics will remove the industrial heat exchanger ourselves, service it and then replace/reinstall it again. All in just half a day!