Keeping Your Cool: How All-aluminum School Bus Radiators Stay At the Top of the Class

School buses and city transit buses might have similar demands, like city driving and frequent stops, but under the hood, they play by different rules. 

A well-running bus is like a well-prepared student, equipped for the challenges ahead. Engines may power the bus, but a reliable radiator keeps the wheels of education turning, getting students where they need to be every day.

Don’t Get Schooled by Plastic Components! Why? Plastic Radiators Crack Under Pressure

Plastic radiators may have become an industry standard, but like a weak link in a chain, they’re prone to failure under high temperatures and heavy use. The move to all-aluminum radiators eliminates common weak points, ensuring a longer-lasting and more reliable cooling solution.

“The Achilles’ heel of the plastic radiator is that the plastic doesn’t hold up to the temperatures of today’s buses. We got rid of the crimp strip and the O-ring, and welded that tank to the bar and plate core: Our welded all-aluminum radiator is proven to be a far superior product.”
— Randy LaLonde, Owner, Transit Cooling Solutions

All-Aluminum Radiators: The Smarter Choice for School Bus Fleets

Making the switch from plastic to all-aluminum radiators is like upgrading from a plastic toolbox to a heavy-duty steel one—it’s stronger, lasts longer, and stands up to the toughest conditions.

Transit Cooling Solutions (TCS) represents a worldwide network that specializes in heat transfer products, primarily engine, and transmission cooling for Transit Bus, Trailway, Fleet and Industrial applications You can see the difference as Randy Lalonde, Owner of Transit Cooling Solutions, covers the hot topics in cooling here on the  KIRKS ToolBOX webinar replay.

Seven Benefits of All-Aluminum Radiators for School Buses

Switching to all-aluminum radiators isn’t just a small upgrade—it’s a game-changer for fleet longevity, efficiency, and cost savings. Whether you’re running a fleet of 10 or 100, investing in better cooling today means fewer headaches tomorrow.

Why Fleet Managers Are Making the Switch to All-Aluminum Radiators

  1. Increased Durability: All-aluminum radiators eliminate common failure points associated with plastic components, such as O-rings, gaskets, and crimped tabs. Welding the tank to the radiator body reduces the risk of leaks and cracks, thus extending the lifespan of the radiator.
  2. Better Heat Transfer: Aluminum has superior thermal conductivity compared to plastic. This means that all-aluminum radiators can achieve optimal cooling more effectively, maintaining lower engine temperatures. This is especially important for school buses that operate in various weather conditions.
  3. Longer Lifecycle: The robust design of all-aluminum radiators translates to a longer operational life, reducing the frequency of replacements. This is crucial for school districts aiming to keep operational costs down and minimize the time buses spend off the road due to maintenance.
  4. Cost-Effectiveness: Despite potentially higher initial costs compared to plastic, all-aluminum radiators often result in lower overall expenses. Their durability leads to fewer replacements, and they may come at a lower cost than OEM parts, further enhancing value for school districts.
  5. Improved Maintenance: The longevity and durability of all-aluminum radiators lead to less downtime for maintenance. With fewer failures, school buses can remain in service, ensuring consistent transportation for students.
  6. Faster Replacement Options: As illustrated in the California Transit Authority case, all-aluminum radiators can be readily available, providing a quicker turnaround compared to OEM parts that may experience supply chain delays. This helps keep buses operational when they are needed most.
  7. Performance Consistency: Consistent engine cooling helps maintain performance levels, fuel efficiency, and reliability. These factors are particularly important in maintaining safety and timeliness in school transportation.


You can take a deeper dive into alternatives to plastic radiators and charge air coolers (CACs) here.

Bus Radiators Built for the Brands You Trust

Transit Cooling Solutions manufactures all-aluminum radiators for leading school bus brands, ensuring a perfect fit for your application.
Here’s a list of school bus brands trusted by school districts throughout the US:

  • Bluebird: Known for its iconic yellow school buses, Bluebird manufactures a wide range of models focusing on safety, durability, and fuel efficiency, offering both diesel and propane-powered options.
  • Freightliner: A popular choice among school districts, Freightliner buses are recognized for their robust chassis and dependability. The brand often focuses on advanced technology and environmental standards, making its buses clean and efficient.
  • GMC: GMC produces school buses primarily under the “GMC” badge, offering a blend of performance and comfort. Their models typically cater to various needs, from conventional to specialty buses.
  • International: International buses are noted for their strong engines and extensive safety features. They often provide customization options to meet the specific needs of school districts.
  • Navistar: Previously known as IC Bus, Navistar focuses on providing innovative solutions for school transportation. Their buses are known for durability and a range of engine options, including alternative fuels.
  • Thomas Built Buses: A pioneer in school bus manufacturing, Thomas Built Buses emphasizes safety and student comfort. The company offers a wide selection of models and is committed to environmentally friendly technologies.

All-aluminum Radiators and Charge Air Coolers Make the Grade for Safe and Reliable School Bus Transportation

Upgrading to all-aluminum radiators is a smart move for school bus fleets, delivering superior durability, better heat dissipation, and lower maintenance demands compared to traditional plastic models. 

For fleet managers focused on maximizing performance and controlling costs, these radiators offer a long-term advantage. With safety, reliability, and efficiency at the core of school transportation, all-aluminum radiators are built to meet the challenge, keeping buses running cooler, longer, and with fewer interruptions.

Looking for the right radiator for your school buses? Escape the Parts Trap with KIRKS and Transit Cooling Solutions.

KIRKS’ partnership with Transit Cooling Solution is another way we’re working to help school bus fleet managers escape the parts trap.

When parts fail, costly OEM replacements are not the only solution. KIRKS Approved EqualTM parts and heat-transfer solutions from Transit Cooling Solutions offer affordable alternatives that meet or exceed OEM specifications.

KIRKS makes it easy to get everything you need in a single purchase order. Contact KIRKS today—your partner for parts!