At the front of an MX5 NB (1998–2000), the radiator is one of the most important components of the cooling system. As air flows through the fins, heat is drawn from the coolant, keeping the engine and cylinder head at the correct temperature. On older MX5s, it’s common to see plastic tanks discolor or for cooling capacity to decrease due to contamination. The radiator works closely with the hose sets that circulate coolant between the engine, thermostat, and radiator, meaning that even a minor problem in a single component can affect the entire system.