How long does a cooling fan last?

Author: Wyatt Ernser  |  Last update: Thursday, November 20, 2025

Most cooling fans will last for around three to five years. However, this can vary depending on the quality of the fan, how often it's used, and the environment it's in. If you have a fan that's been running constantly, it may not last as long as one that's only used occasionally.

What is the life expectancy of a cooling fan?

Long-lasting fans are designed to last 50 years or more with regular maintenance. Inexpensive, disposable fans are unlikely to last more than three years with normal usage. Most mid-range fans are designed to last 6-10 years.

How do I know if I need a new cooling fan?

First, if a fan doesn't rotate at all, it's probably bad. Second, just like any other wire, the insulation around a fan can get brittle and crack over time. So if you see damage to the insulation between the blades of the fan, that's another sign that it's probably bad and needs to be replaced.

How much does it cost to replace a coolant fan?

You can usually get a radiator fan or cooling fan assembly for around $50 to $500. Labor costs for this type of replacement will usually range anywhere between $100 and $400. The exact cost will depend on factors, such as the type of vehicle you have and the rates applied in your area.

When should I replace my cooling fan?

In most cases, a properly maintained radiator fan will last between eight and ten years.

Should A Radiator Fan Come On When A Car Starts?

What happens if cooling fan stops working?

It has a direct impact on the engine's operating temperature and any systems that are related to it. You might see one or more of these symptoms: Overheating at idle or low speeds. Since the car's momentum isn't pushing enough air through the radiator at low speeds, the temperature will begin to creep up and overheat.

Can you drive with a bad cooling fan?

If the fan isn't operating properly, it can lead to overheating fast and stop you in your tracks. Prolonged overheating can also damage engine parts, so it's important to get the problem checked out as quickly as possible.

How do you fix a cooling fan problem?

Clean motor: Clean dirt and obstructions from cooling vents. Check the fitment of the cooling fan. Check the motor: If the motor is damaged, it may not be able to spin the blades correctly, causing the fan to overheat. Check the bearings: If the bearings are damaged, they may not be able to rotate the fan.

Is the coolant fan and radiator fan the same?

The radiator fan is a type of fan used in automobiles to cool the radiator. By doing so, it helps with regulating engine temperature. It's, therefore, also known as the engine cooling fan and usually mounted between the radiator and engine.

How do you test an engine cooling fan?

There are a few ways to test the radiator fan. You can connect the radiator fan to the car battery with jumper wires to see if the fan runs normally. You can connect a low impedance lamp in series with the motor, turn it through, and see if the lamp ever goes dark, which is the most sensible way.

How often should I replace my fan?

Most ceiling fans are estimated to last for a maximum of 10 years, but the length of time your ceiling fan should last does depend on how much you use it.

How do I know if my fan needs to be replaced?

Signs of Trouble: Watch out for wobbling blades, unusual noises, or sluggish fan speeds. These could indicate worn-out parts, loose connections, or a failing motor, all signs it might be time for a replacement.

How long does the average fan last?

How long do ceiling fans usually last? A standard ceiling fan tends to last up to 10 years, but this will all depend on the quality of it and how you look after it.

How long should a cooling system last?

While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.

How do you maintain a cooling fan?

How can you keep your cooling fans free of dust and debris?
  1. Check your fan speed and temperature. ...
  2. Turn off and unplug your computer. ...
  3. Open your computer case and locate your fans. ...
  4. Clean your fans with compressed air and a soft brush. ...
  5. Wipe your fans with a microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol.

How do you fix a fan that suddenly stopped working?

Try troubleshooting some issues yourself first:
  1. Replace Batteries. ...
  2. Remove Fan Blockages. ...
  3. Ensure the Reverse Switch Isn't in Neutral. ...
  4. Check That the Wall Switch & Chain Are On. ...
  5. Frequently Tripped Circuit Breakers. ...
  6. Loose Wiring. ...
  7. A Faulty Fan Motor. ...
  8. Overheating or Faulty Fan Capacitor.

How much does it cost to replace a cooling fan?

As one of the more expensive car repairs needed (not including the replacement of a seized car engine, obviously), the replacement of the radiator coolant fan could incur about $128 to $162 in labor costs and around $465 in parts. So, total radiator fan replacement cost could be anywhere from $592 to $627.

Why do cooling fans fail?

Electric motors on fan assemblies can burn out due to many factors such as: age, weather, and voltage changes. They can also acquire dirt and dust inside them over time. The implications of an inoperative fan assembly can cause the engine to overheat, and the A/C to not work.

How do I know if my fan relay is blown?

If the cooling fan relay has failed, you may see warnings, such as the check engine light and the temperature warning light, pop up on the dash, but first, you may notice that the A/C stops cooling. More about that in the next paragraph. The check engine light illuminating may indicate a faulty cooling fan relay.

What is the difference between radiator fan and cooling fan?

The radiator fan (or fans) pulls cooling air through the car's radiator. Positioned between the radiator and engine, cooling fans are particularly helpful when the car is stationary or moving at speeds too slow to force air through the grille.

Will bad thermostat cause cooling fan not to work?

Yes, a malfunctioning thermostat can indeed cause the fan not to work properly. The thermostat acts as the control center for your HVAC system, including the fan.

What happens if the cooling fan fuse is blown?

Your car's cooling fan, or radiator fan, plays an important job in keeping your engine cool. Some of the most common causes of a faulty radiator fan include a blown fuse, a faulty temperature sensor, or a defective fan relay. If the fan stops working, your engine could overheat and be damaged.

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