Car radiator repair
Compare car radiator repair or replacement prices and get your radiator fixed nearby
Repairs you can trust at a price you can afford
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£34.23*
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What does a car radiator do?
A radiator is one of the most important parts of a car’s cooling system. Its job is to keep the engine at the right temperature by radiating excess heat.
How does a car radiator work?
Think about how the radiators in your house work. The boiler pumps hot water through them, and they disperse heat into the room. Car radiators work in the same way.
Coolant (a blend of chemicals and water) is circulated through the engine by a water pump, absorbing heat as it moves. Then, it’s pumped into the radiator via a series of tubes.
Inside the radiator are thin strips of metal called ‘fins’. Because these fins have a large surface area, they allow heat from the coolant to dissipate into the atmosphere quickly. This cooling effect is boosted by air moving across the radiator as you drive.
Signs of a faulty radiator
The following symptoms might indicate a problem with your car’s radiator:
Low coolant
White smoke from under the bonnet
It’s important to remember that these things can be caused by various issues within the cooling system - not just a faulty radiator. Keep an open mind when seeking repairs, as the problem could turn out to be something slightly different.
How much does it cost to repair a car radiator?
The average price of a radiator repair on FixMyCar is £224.22. For a replacement, it’s £269.87.
| Car make | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Audi | £300 |
| BMW | £247.22 |
| Ford | £247.37 |
| Mercedes | £371.66 |
| Peugeot | £277.50 |
| Vauxhall | £202 |
| Volkswagen | £144.33 |
Common car radiator problems
Leaking radiator
Corrosion is the most common reason for a leaking radiator, but leaks can also be caused by manufacturing defects or cracks from the engine overheating. Have a look in the engine bay and under the car to see if you can spot a leak. Coolant is usually green, blue, orange or red, making it fairly easy to identify.
Build-up of mineral deposits
Bits of gunk (or, to use slightly more technical terms, mineral deposits and debris) can build up in the radiator over time, making it harder for the coolant to flow. If your car keeps overheating but you can’t see any corrosion or a leak, this could be why.
Leaking car radiator hose
The problem might not be with the radiator but instead with one of its hoses. If this is the case, you’ll find that your coolant frequently needs topping up, and there may be a visible puddle under the car.
Faulty car radiator fan
The radiator fan automatically switches on to speed up the cooling process when a car is stationary. A broken fan might be to blame if your vehicle overheats when idling but seems fine when travelling at speed.
Bad water pump
Overheating can be caused by many things, not just the radiator. A good example is the water pump, which is supposed to move coolant around the engine. When the pump breaks, the system won't have the pressure to circulate coolant, preventing the radiator from doing its job.
Broken thermostat
The thermostat regulates the temperature of the engine. If it stops working, the system won’t know how much coolant to send to the radiator, causing unexpected temperature fluctuations.
Damaged fins
The radiator’s fins are delicate, so they can easily be damaged. Sometimes, even road debris can bend them out of shape. Once bent, the fins might disrupt the coolant flow, making the system less effective.
Tips for booking a car radiator repair
Many mobile mechanics offer radiator repair services so you can get the job done on your driveway for convenience.
Avoid driving your car if it’s overheating - either find a garage that will tow you in or book a mobile mechanic instead.
Take note of any symptoms, such as visible fluid leaks, and pass this information on to the mechanic when you make a booking. The more details you can provide, the better.
Check out this guide for advice on how to feel confident about car repairs.
Find radiator repair garages near you
Some car problems aren’t urgent and can be put off until you have the budget or time for a repair. Unfortunately, issues with the cooling system don't fall into this category. Repairs of this kind shouldn’t be delayed, especially if your car keeps overheating, because you could end up with a damaged engine.
If you’re unsure whether the issue is your radiator or another part of the cooling system, we recommend booking a diagnostic test first to find out what’s wrong and how much it might cost to fix. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to car repairs.
Related services
Engine coolant
The average price of an engine coolant replacement booked on FixMyCar is £88.11.
If the engine coolant level is too low or the fluid is leaking, this can cause problems for your vehicle. A mechanic can quickly and easily top up your coolant to help avoid overheating.
Can include- Visual inspection
- Engine coolant refill
Mobile mechanic
The average price of a mobile mechanic booked on FixMyCar is £81.64.
A mobile mechanic will visit you at your home or workplace and can carry out a range of repairs.
Can include- Home visit
- Servicing
- Tyre change
- Oil change
- Recommended repairs
How can you tell when there’s something wrong with your car radiator?
An overheating engine is the most obvious sign that something is wrong with the radiator or another part of the cooling system. Other things to look for include low coolant, a visible coolant leak, corrosion and bent fins.
What can cause a radiator leak?
Radiator leaks are typically caused by corrosion or rust, which eats through the metal.
How long does a car radiator last?
The lifespan of a radiator depends on the quality of the part and how well it’s maintained. Generally, you can expect it to last eight to 15 years. Remember to top up your coolant regularly and get your car serviced at the correct intervals to keep it in good condition.
Is a car radiator repair or replacement covered by my warranty?
Vehicle warranties often cover the cost of parts and labour for the mechanical or electrical failure of components like the engine, fuel pump and radiator. Check your warranty policy to see if your radiator is covered.
Can you drive a car with a coolant leak?
It’s best not to drive with a coolant leak if you can avoid it. However, if the leak is minor and it takes a while for the coolant to drain, you can probably get away with topping it up to drive to a garage for a repair. The most important thing to consider is whether your engine will likely overheat - this is something you want to avoid at all costs.
