For those looking to make this a DIY project, it's also important to know how long it takes to replace a radiator. Those who are familiar with automotive projects can do it in two to three hours, but for those who aren't as savvy with cars, the job might take up about half a day.
Re: Radiator replacement, Costs, and Parts? Definitely an easy weekend day job in the driveway. Just be prepared to catch the coolant using a big tupperware style container thats not too tall but has a good footprint. Getting to the radiator is a 20 minute job if you know how to remove the bumper.
Depends on the car. Could be half an hour to drain the coolant, replace the radiator and fill it. Or it could take longer than that just to replace the radiator, plus and hour just to bleed it after refilling. But it shouldn't take more than 2–3 hours.
It's not an easy job especially if your current radiators are old as it could mean replacing (or at least moving) the pipes as well as draining the entire system to prevent leaks or water damage.
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.
Radiator repair costs $350 on average, but pricing often ranges from $100 to $500 based on the radiator type, material, and issue. Radiator repair costs can range from $5 for simple DIY fixes to $600 for major issues, but most people pay around $350.
If your radiator isn't working well, your engine will likely overheat. This can lead to the pistols snapping, causing serious engine damage and resulting in your car breaking down – which is extremely dangerous, as it could cause you to lose control and crash the car.
The average lifespan of modern radiators is between 10 and 15 years. Older radiators become less efficient, and even if they are still working perfectly after 15 years, they are more likely to develop problems, for example, internal corrosion.
The average cost to replace a radiator in 2025 is around £200 per radiator. This estimate is based on a standard radiator size and includes average fitting costs. As it only takes between 1 and 2 hours to replace most radiators, the labour cost to fit a radiator will be between £50 and £100.
Labor is dependent on the time it takes to replace the radiator. For some simply designed cars, it could be around one hour. For most, though, two to three hours is normal, and labour of $250 to $400 can be expected.
While replacing the radiator, consider replacing other cooling system components that might be nearing the end of their lifespan. This could include: Thermostat: Regulates coolant flow to the engine. Radiator hoses: Can become brittle and crack over time.
Refrain From Driving
A malfunctioning radiator can cause extensive damage to your engine. A serious leak can even drain your radiator completely.
For those looking to make this a DIY project, it's also important to know how long it takes to replace a radiator. Those who are familiar with automotive projects can do it in two to three hours, but for those who aren't as savvy with cars, the job might take up about half a day.
Auto body work does not include repairs to the engine or other mechanical and electrical components.
The easiest way to replace a radiator is to choose one with identical pipe centres. If this isn't the case, you'll need to reorient your new valves – it's best to get a plumber to do this.
The primary indicator that your radiator is or has failed is an overheated engine. Many moving parts in your engine operate at high speeds. Heat accumulation results from insufficient cooling, increasing friction. If enough heat is generated, internal components may melt, necessitating the engine replacement.
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.
Investing in an improved radiator can also lead to increased engine performance. Since the engine is always cool and efficient, it can run better and for longer. An upgraded radiator can also help boost fuel efficiency and provide a smoother driving experience.
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.
If your vehicle's radiator fails, not enough coolant will reach your engine, causing it to overheat. Driving with a broken or cracked radiator—and an overheated engine—is very dangerous. We recommend you contact your local Rad Air as soon as you suspect a problem with your car's cooling system.
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.
1) Turn Up The Heater
The heater core is a heater exchanger, so by turning on the heat in the car you allow the remaining coolant to work more efficiently. Basically, the coolant that's left can work better at cooling your engine down by shedding excess heat faster.
Coolant leak repair costs $1,075 on average, but costs often range from $225 and $2,000 depending on the detection system used and the repair needed. Call a pro for an estimate on repairs for your specific system. A coolant leak repair costs $1,075 on average, but the total can be as low as $150 or as high as $3,000.