A car with a broken radiator might drive for only a few minutes before its engine overheats. How long it lasts will depend on how much you work the engine, how fast you drive, how hot the day is and how little coolant is actually inside your cooling system.
Driving with a cracked radiator is not advisable. A cracked radiator can lead to coolant leaks, causing your engine to overheat, which can result in severe engine damage. If you notice a crack, it's best to avoid driving the vehicle until it's repaired.
Your coolant will eventually boil out, the engine will overheat, and will likely turn itself off.
If you just need a temporary fix, JB Weld's SteelStick or similar is a metal putty you can use to cover holes in your radiator. It's almost like clay or playdough that hardens into metal. Usually $7 at any part store. My fan kissed my radiator one night leaving a red light and I used some of that SteelStick.
Because it's a common problem, you may wonder if a car leaking radiator fluid demands prompt attention. Yes, it does! If left unattended, a radiator fluid leak can lead to more significant, more costly problems like engine damage.
Without this system, your engine would overheat and melt and your car would be out of commission. For this reason, a radiator leak is a serious issue that signals a malfunction of this important cooling system. If you suspect your radiator has a leak, it's definitely better not to drive.
How long can I drive my car without a working radiator? A car with a broken radiator might drive for only a few minutes before its engine overheats. How long it lasts will depend on how much you work the engine, how fast you drive, how hot the day is and how little coolant is actually inside your cooling system.
If you need to replace your radiator, you can expect to spend between $700 and $1,000. You can save on labor costs (about $300) by replacing the radiator yourself if you're experienced with auto DIY jobs. Keep in mind this is a big undertaking that will likely take all day.
In the early stages, only a small level of discoloured water will drip from the rad, so it is not usually an emergency from the outset. That said, you should tend to a radiator leaking water as quickly as possible to prevent the situation escalating and stop any further issues.
The furthest you can drive an overheating car is about a ¼ mile before you risk irreversible engine damage. While some vehicles could still make it as far as 20 miles, we would never recommend driving very far with an overheating engine.
A faulty radiator can lead to serious engine damage that can affect your safety and that of your passengers. Pull over and call for emergency help if needed or take your car down to an auto repair store promptly.
Car insurance doesn't typically cover mechanical issues unless they're related to a covered peril.
Driving with a radiator leak is a dangerous operation, as it will very likely cause your engine to overheat. If you are driving down the road and notice your engine is overheating, we recommend you pull over immediately and let the vehicle cool down. While it's cooling, call us to schedule an appointment.
The one thing you shouldn't do, however, is continue to drive your car. If you continue topping up a car leaking coolant, you'll not only waste your money on fluid, but pollute your drive and the roads, putting animals at risk in the process.
A cracked radiator can be driven for a limited period, but it is never recommended. The decision to edge it may be justified in certain circumstances, but in most cases, it is not recommended in the long run. It is reasonable to drive short distances if the crack is small and you have only just noticed it.
If your car is overheating, it's time for a radiator replacement. Radiator repair can be expensive, but it's nothing compared to the cost of engine damage. So if you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and get a new radiator.
Fitting a new radiator like for like is easy to do, as long as the radiators you are replacing have identical pipe centres. It shouldn't take long to do, and you might not need a plumber. However, if you fit a new radiator that isn't the same size, you'll need to call a plumber.
Expect it to be between $400 and $900 for most cars, with some potentially more than $1,000. How much does it cost for labor to install a radiator? Labor is dependent on the time it takes to replace the radiator. For some simply designed cars, it could be around one hour.
REMOVE the radiator cap so the pressure doesn't make it leak faster. Drive under 50mph so it doesn't overheat. Carry plenty of water. Stop often to add water.
The most likely result of not replacing a defective radiator in good time is that the leak will worsen to the point where serious engine over heating is inevitable.
Can a Radiator be Repaired? It is possible to repair a cracked radiator if the crack is small enough, but it's important to remember that your radiator is subjected to high temperatures and pressure during normal operation, so the product you use must be designed for that environment.
Depending on the severity of the damage, you'll need to budget around $300 to $2000 to replace a car radiator. Labor expenses will range from $75 – $150 (per hour) for services, including mechanic inspections for leaks, removing the old radiator, flushing the entire system, and installing a new radiator.