An inter cooler is a heat exchanger used to cool a gas after compression.[1] Often found in turbocharged engines, inter coolers are also used in air compressors, air conditioners, refrigeration and gas turbines.
Yes, it's possible to run a turbocharged engine without an inter cooler, but it's generally not recommended. While it won't cause immediate damage, it will significantly reduce engine performance and longevity.
In a nutshell, a radiator cools engine coolant to prevent overheating, while an inter cooler cools compressed air from a turbocharger or supercharger before it enters the engine. Every car has a radiator, but only turbocharged or supercharged cars need an inter cooler.
An intercooler is a device used to cool air that has been compressed in a combustion engine. It is often used in turbocharged or supercharged engines. There are two basic varieties of inter coolers. Air-to-air inter coolers use outside air to transfer heat from the engine, while air-to-water intercoolers use water to do the same job.
There's absolutely no shame in digging around the internet and asking yourself, "What does a radiator do?" The entire cooling system around it, are some of the most vital components to keeping internal combustion engines running reliably and efficiently.
Car radiators typically last between 8 to 10 years, but this can vary based on several factors like driving habits, maintenance, and the materials used. Some radiators, especially those well-maintained and made of older metal, may even last the lifetime of the vehicle.
