You can absolutely replace a radiator yourself. It's a challenge, but with the right tools and some basic knowledge, an untrained layperson can do it without a mechanic. Cars can be complicated machines, and your car's engine bay might have hundreds of precisely fitted components.
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.
While replacing your radiator might seem like a relatively simple procedure, it can be messy and time consuming.
Radiator replacement
Each radiator takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to replace with like-for-like, plus the system drain-down and refill time (see above). Consequently replacing 3 radiators is typically a full day's work.
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.
If you're replacing a radiator in your home with a like-for-like model, it's possible to do the work yourself. However, if you're upgrading to something that doesn't match up with the pipes and brackets already in place, you'll need help from a plumber.
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.
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.
Refrain From Driving
A malfunctioning radiator can cause extensive damage to your engine. A serious leak can even drain your radiator completely.
Radiators typically last for the lifetime of your vehicle. On average, they have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. However, there are some factors that can reduce a radiator's working life.
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.
With a few simple rules, this can be made to work in an elegant way and few people would even notice you've retro fitted to existing pipes. Firstly, the most important rule is to size the radiator smaller than the existing one. Only slightly and if its almost the same size then all the better, but larger doesn't work.
If you've got a problem with your radiators or heating system then it's usually best to call in a professional plumber or heating engineer.
Energy efficiency
While turning the heating down or not having it on for as long as you'd like is very effective, replacing your old radiators could also help reduce your heating bills. Over the past few years, radiator technology has improved significantly.
The good news is that the vast majority of radiators out there are so easy to remove and fit that there won't be a problem.
You can absolutely replace a radiator yourself. It's a challenge, but with the right tools and some basic knowledge, an untrained layperson can do it without a mechanic. Cars can be complicated machines, and your car's engine bay might have hundreds of precisely fitted components.
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.
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.
Replacing a radiator can take most of a day, but, with care and patience, it is is doable. In order to replace a radiator, you'll need to drain the old radiator, detach any the parts keeping it in place, remove it, install a new radiator, re-install any parts that were removed, and add coolant.
Let the engine run for about 10 to 15 minutes to let the coolant circulate freely inside the radiator and allow any trapped air to dissipate. Fill the space with more coolant fluid and then close the cap tightly. Now your radiator has new coolant fluid and your car is good to go. Note: Used coolant is toxic waste.
A repair can cost a few hours of labor, so figure $300 to $500. A replacement can cost between $700 and $2,500, depending upon your particular car's make and model and where you have it replaced.
Those additional repairs increase the amount of time your mechanic will need to spend on your radiator repair; otherwise, the repair might fail. That means that you should plan on 4-6 hours for a radiator repair. Your mechanic may need longer, depending on what level of damage exists and part availability.
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.