How Much Does A Radiator Repair Cost?

A radiator repair shop may charge anywhere from $200 to $1200m depending on what needs fixing. Here is the average estimated cost for radiator repairs, including labor charges: 

• Coolant thermostat: $200 to $500
• Radiator fan: $350 to $550
• Radiator hose: $80 to $350
• Lower radiator hose: $100 to $350
• New radiator: $600 to $1200

How Urgent Is A Radiator Repair?

A radiator problem could severely hamper your vehicle’s performance, so it’s best you have your vehicle diagnosed at an auto repair shop soon.  

If left unresolved, it could cause your engine to overheat, resulting in some radiator parts warping or cracking. 

It could also cause warped cylinder heads to separate from the engine block, resulting in a leak in the head gasket and high repair costs.

Whether you’ll need a radiator repair or a radiator replacement depends on where the problem lies and the severity of the issue. So, it’s best to consult certified technicians regarding a repair or replacement. 

Signs You Need A Radiator Repair

Radiator trouble could result in the coolant fluid and the engine overheating, leading to significant engine repair costs if left undetected. 

Here are the most obvious signs to help know you need a radiator repair service:

• An unusual spike in engine temperature: The vehicle temperature gauge monitors your coolant temperature. A faulty radiator may have trouble transferring heat in the coolant to the atmosphere.
• Green liquid stains under your car: Coolant fluid (typically green) can leak from a blown radiator hose, a faulty hose clamp, a warped head gasket, or a damaged radiator body. Leaks may contaminate your motor oil or cause engine overheating.
• Low coolant levels: Coolant levels could drop due to the engine overheating and coolant leaks, pointing to a possible radiator problem.       

Getting a radiator flush every 36,000 miles is the best way to prevent radiator trouble.

A radiator flush helps remove debris, contaminants, and corrosion inside the radiator. It also helps lubricate and extend the lifespan of your water pump, thereby preventing a coolant leak or debris build-up.

3 Radiator Repair FAQs

Here are answers to some questions associated with a radiator repair service: 

1. What Is A Radiator?

The radiator is a critical part of your vehicle’s cooling system.  

Coolant circulates throughout your engine, absorbing the heat produced, so your engine stays at a good temperature. However, in doing so, the coolant fluid becomes hot too. The radiator helps removes heat from the coolant, allowing the coolant to return to the engine to do its job. 

The radiator comprises these components: 

• The core: The hot coolant moves into the core, where it’s stored and cooled by the radiator for the next circulation. 
• The pressure cap: The pressure cap keeps the cooling system pressurized, thereby preventing the coolant from boiling or overflowing. 
• The outlet and inlet tanks: The coolant flows through the outlet and inlet tanks as it circulates through the engine. 

Note: Radiators used to be brass and copper, but manufacturers now prefer aluminum radiators with plastic headers and gaskets. These plastic headers are more economical and easy to repair. 

2. How To Diagnose A Leak In The Radiator?

You’ll need specialized tools and technical knowledge to diagnose a radiator problem. If you feel unsure, it’s best to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop. 

Here’s how certified technicians would go about a radiator check: 

1. Inspect the color of the liquid puddles under your vehicle. If the color is orange or green, it could signify a coolant leak. 
2. Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir, ensuring it’s at the correct level as marked in the reservoir. Typically, when the coolant level is low, it’ll trigger the Check Engine Light.
3. Inspect the radiator cap, engine bay, and the surrounding area for signs of a leak or damage. If no leak is detected, conduct a pressure test. Attach a pressure tester to the radiator or reservoir, cranking the pressure to 15 PSI, which should identify the leak. 

3. How To Fix A Radiator Leak?

Radiator leaks can happen in different places, so your best option is to get a professional to replace it. 

However, here are some ways to temporarily fix the leak until you can get a mechanic to make a permanent repair. 

You’ll need some basic tools:

• Safety gloves
• Safety glasses
• Rags

And here are some optional items:

• Welding or soldering tools
• Cooling system pressure tester
• Commercial stop leak for radiators
• Pepper
• Eggs
• Radiator epoxy

Method:

1. Before doing anything else, locate the leak first to make sure it’s from the radiator.
2. If you have trouble finding the leak, you may need to use the pressure tester. With the engine off, attach the pressure test to the radiator or reservoir. Pump up to 15 PSI, and the leak should reveal itself.                                                              Note: Don’t exceed 15 PSI, or you could damage your cooling system.
3. Fix the leak. There are a few ways to for this temporary fix. Here’s a table of methods to help you decide:

Temporary Radiator Repair Methods