DEFLECTOR, WET RAGS... AND ALL THE OTHER ALLIES TO COMBAT THE HEAT IN KARTING

Max Bernardi

03 August 2018

The sun beating down and rising temperatures are two factors that can turn into subtle enemies of karts (and drivers). However, there are several ways to combat the heat: accessories, such as a deflector or an additional radiator, or simple expedients, such as placing a wet rag on the radiator when the kart is stationary in the sun. Tips and tricks that allow you to limit inconveniences and enjoy a day out karting in full

DEFLECTOR

It’s a sort of metal bulkhead that can be attached to the external side of the radiator. Its purpose is to channel a stream of fresh air and direct it towards the warm air coming out of the rear side of the radiator. On the one hand, this allows the radiator to operate more efficiently, on the other, it stops the hot air ends from reaching the kart’s left rear tyre, thereby keeping the tyre pressure optimal.
When fitting the deflector, be careful to leave a space between it and the radiator: if the two elements touch each other, the air has no place to slip through and the deflector is completely pointless.

Indicative price

20,00 euro, circa

When it's hot, almost every team mounts a deflector on their karts

ADDITIONAL RADIATOR

An additional radiator can be used when temperatures are too high to be dealt with by even a large single radiator. It’s a small radiator that works alongside the main radiator, thereby increasing the total radiant mass of the cooling system. It’s usually fitted to the right of the engine, but there are several models, such as versions that are fitted to the back of the seat.

Indicative price

They can be bought for around 50 Euros. However, the more reliable ones cost 140 Euros and upwards

Seen on CRG Racing Team karts during the FIA Karting European Championship KZ - KZ2 in Lonato