How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Car Radiator?
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 14 days ago
5 min read
- Repair
- Cost
- Cooling system
WhoCanFixMyCar discusses how much you can expect to pay for a car radiator repair.
The radiator is part of a car's cooling system, which keeps the engine at a safe temperature. This guide discusses common radiator problems, what symptoms to look for and average repair costs.
Contents
What does a car radiator do?
Just like the radiators in your house, car radiators are designed to disperse heat. However, while house radiators aim to heat rooms up, in cars, the purpose is to cool things down.
Coolant travels through passages in the engine, where it absorbs heat. It then goes to the radiator, which dissipates heat into the atmosphere.
How much does it cost to repair a car radiator?
The average price for a car radiator repair is £224.22, according to WhoCanFixMyCar's data. However, this figure covers a range of different radiator problems. The best way to get an accurate price estimate is to request quotes from local garages.
Average repair price by manufacturer
| Car make | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Audi | £348.17 |
| BMW | £124.74 |
| Ford | £183.26 |
| Mercedes | £550.00 |
| MINI | £360.00 |
| Nissan | £194.83 |
| Peugeot | £136.66 |
| SEAT | £165.22 |
| Vauxhall | £152.72 |
| Volkswagen | £179.40 |
Signs of a faulty radiator
Common symptoms of a faulty radiator include:
Leaking coolant
Visibly damaged or bent radiator fins
Rust on the radiator
Sludgy or discoloured coolant
Common radiator problems
Here are a few of the most common radiator issues.
1. Leaks
Hose leaks are the most frequent source of radiator trouble. These parts of the cooling system are under immense pressure, which can eventually cause them to degrade or come loose. The radiator can also develop leaks, which is a bigger problem.
2. Rust
Air, metal and liquid can be lethal for cars, leading to rust. These elements are all present in the cooling system, so it's hardly surprising that corrosion seriously threatens the radiator's health. Doing a coolant flush with a radiator cleaner every 20,000 miles is an excellent preventative measure.
3. Mineral deposits and debris
Mineral deposits can build up over time, creating gunk in the radiator that stops it from doing its job efficiently. If your car is overheating but you can't spot any leaks or visible signs of corrosion, it could be due to gunk. Again, this is something you can prevent by doing a coolant flush.
4. Broken fan
Another part of modern coolant systems is an electric fan. It draws air into the radiator to keep the car cool while idling or driving at low speeds. When it breaks, you'll notice your engine starts overheating, specifically when idling.
5. Faulty thermostat or water pump
If the thermostat (pictured below) or water pump fails, the radiator won't be able to do its job correctly, and your car will overheat.
Is there something wrong with your car radiator? Whether you need a repair or replacement, WhoCanFixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is WhoCanFixMyCar’s Content Writer. She has a BA in English literature from Durham University, a master’s degree in creative writing, and three years of experience writing in the automotive industry. She currently drives a Suzuki Swift.