Upgrade Your Car’s Cooling System With a Car Electric Fan
If you’re looking to upgrade your car’s cooling system, an electric fan might be just what you need. Unlike mechanical radiator fans, which run whenever the engine is running and can delay engine warmup, electric fans are designed to start when your car’s temperature is right where it needs to be.
1. Quiet
Unlike older mechanical fans that were powered by the engine, an electric fan can be controlled by sensors and ECUs to turn on only when necessary. This reduces power consumption and the resulting noise.
For example, a car cooling fan with an electric clutch will only spin at high speeds when the engine is hot and the radiator needs to be cooled. The result is the fan does not make noise at low speeds when the engine and radiator are cool and does not waste energy.
Many electric fans also feature shrouds that channel air into the radiator, reducing noise and improving cooling efficiency. This is especially important on small cars that can be difficult to fit a traditional straight blade fan.
Whether you have a new or old car, the right type of electric fan can be quieter than your factory system, which can sound like a rogue vacuum cleaner underneath the hood. So, take your car out for a drive and listen to how much quieter your electric fan is than your stock radiator fan.
2. Power
While the old mechanical fan could only be switched on or off, a car electric radiator fan can be controlled by a sensor that switches it on when the temperature rises and turns it off as the engine cools. This can allow the engine to reach its optimal running temperature sooner for better performance, and also help save fuel.
In order to confirm that a new electrical fan is functioning correctly, connect it to battery ground and test with a multimeter set to measure amps. If the motor runs at full power, the circuit is okay and it’s likely a blown fuse or tripped breaker is to blame for a non-functioning switch.
An electric fan can be mounted directly to the radiator for compact and easy installation, making them the most popular option. Some even mount to the radiator shroud, allowing for more clearance for front engine accessories and a smoother finish without having to fabricate a custom fan shroud. car electric fan In addition to mounting on the radiator, an electric fan can also be mounted on the firewall for more airflow.
3. Durability
As electric fan systems have been tested and installed in many vehicles feedback has been extremely positive. Fleet managers love the reduction in overheating and maintenance costs, technicians appreciate how easy it is to remove and replace a serpentine belt and drivers rave at the added power they can feel when driving uphill or accelerating.
When selecting a fan there are several factors to consider including current draw, blade style and size. Wind tunnel and airflow computational modeling research shows that advanced curved blade designs require less current to work than straight fans.
Another factor is how the fan is controlled. Mechanical fans are typically controlled via a temperature switch that is activated when the coolant reaches a certain temperature. Electric fans are not tied to the engine, and can maintain optimal speeds whether the car is stopped, accelerating or decelerating, which results in smoother and quieter operation. The quality of the motor, blade material and the overall build of the fan also impacts how long it will last. For this reason it is important to find a high-quality fan that will last for the lifetime of the vehicle.
4. Easy to install
The best electric fans for a car mount directly to the radiator, which saves space under the hood. This allows more room for other components like the alternator and keeps the fan shroud clear of obstructions that hinder air flow. The mounting method is simple using nylon bolts with speed-nuts so even the most novice automotive enthusiasts can easily install one. A quick Google search will reveal a number of different brands to choose from, most notably Flex-a-lite, which has been doing this sort of thing for decades.
Most cooling fan wiring systems will use a relay to switch the fans on and off based on temperature, with the option to add a manual switch as well. This relay should be rated to handle the total current drawn by the fans, typically 20 amps or more for single 10 inch fans.
Some electric cooling fan kits will also include a temperature switch to prevent the fans from turning on while the engine is cold, which helps improve gas mileage and reduce parasitic load on the motor. The bottom line is that installing a new car electric fan system is very easy, especially when compared to the complexity of replacing a belt driven mechanical fan.
5. Customization
In addition to the power and durability, the best electric fans come with options for customizing your setup. Many come with different blade styles, car electric fan which affect noise and airflow performance. For example, SPAL’s paddle blades (PN: 30102082) offer quieter operation with excellent airflow and pressure performance.
Another option is to use an electric fan clutch, which allows you to control when your electric cooling fan turns on and off. When paired with a temperature sensor, this can help keep your engine cool by turning on the fan only when necessary.
An electric fan can also be configured as a pusher or puller. A pusher style mounts the fan in front of the radiator and pushes air through it, while a puller fans mounts on the back of the radiator and draws air in.
JEGS offers a variety of high-quality electric car cooling fans to keep your engine running at optimal temperatures and prevent overheating and costly breakdowns. Be sure to check out our selection of fan shrouds and electric fan wiring kits to make your installation a breeze.
