| Vehicle and radiator fitment | Confirm the truck’s make, model, model year, engine, transmission-cooling arrangement, mounting points, hose positions, and core dimensions. | Application list, dimensioned drawing, connection details, and photographs of the actual unit. | Match the part to the vehicle’s service information and compare critical dimensions before ordering. |
| 50/50 coolant compatibility | Ask whether the radiator materials and seals are suitable for the vehicle-specified coolant at a 50/50 coolant-to-water mix. Compatibility depends on the coolant formulation and radiator materials; do not assume every product is suitable. | Written material and coolant-compatibility statement, including any restrictions on coolant chemistry. | Follow the truck or engine manufacturer’s coolant specification. Use the specified premix or mix concentrate with suitable water as directed. |
| Coolant chemistry and mixing | Check which coolant technology is approved, such as the specification required by the vehicle. Different coolant products may not be compatible when mixed. | Recommended coolant specification and clear instructions on flushing or changing coolant types. | Do not select coolant by color alone, and avoid mixing products unless their manufacturers confirm compatibility. |
| Construction and materials | Verify core and tank materials, joint construction, corrosion protection, and whether the design matches the application’s operating conditions. | Product specification, material description, and details of any applicable inspection or production controls. | Compare the stated construction with the original application requirements; request clarification if materials are not identified. |
| Pressure and leak testing | Ask how each radiator is checked for leaks and whether test procedures are defined for the product type. | Inspection or test procedure and a sample quality record for the relevant product. | Confirm that the supplied unit is inspected before dispatch and that any test claims are documented. |
| Cooling capacity and operating conditions | Confirm suitability for the truck’s engine, expected duty cycle, ambient conditions, and any auxiliary cooling requirements. | Application-specific technical data and any stated operating limitations. | Use application data rather than relying only on exterior dimensions or a general “heavy duty” description. |
| Warranty coverage | Review the written warranty period, start date, covered defects, exclusions, and requirements for installation and maintenance. | Current written warranty terms and the claim-submission procedure. | Get the terms before purchase. Do not assume coverage duration or exclusions without written confirmation. |
| Warranty claim handling | Establish what evidence is needed for a claim and who pays for inspection, return freight, replacement shipping, or related labor. | Claim checklist, response process, and written allocation of shipping and inspection costs. | Keep the invoice, product identification, installation records, coolant details, and photographs of any issue. |
| After-sales technical support | Check whether support can help with fitment questions, installation concerns, coolant compatibility, and troubleshooting. | Named support contact or channel, service hours, and documented escalation process. | Confirm how to reach support in your time zone and what information they need to diagnose a problem. |
| Parts availability and replacement | Ask about availability of replacement units and, where applicable, serviceable components for the product design. | Written availability information, lead-time estimates, and replacement-order process. | For fleet or critical-use applications, clarify expected replenishment arrangements before placing an order. |
| Packaging and transport | Check protection for fins, connections, and mounting points during storage and shipment. | Packaging photographs, packing specification, and shipment inspection procedure. | Inspect the package and radiator on arrival; record visible transport damage before installation. |
| Documentation and traceability | Confirm that the unit can be identified and linked to its order, production, and quality records. | Part identification, invoice details, and available batch or inspection records. | Retain product and order records to support fitment checks, maintenance, and any warranty inquiry. |