Skip to content
Repair Lane

Radiator Replacement

A leaking or clogged radiator is replaced with a new one, then the cooling system is refilled, bled, and leak-checked.

Difficulty: moderate~1.54 hrsHalf a day
Estimated total
$305–1,350
Parts$130–650
Labor$175–700
Labor time1.54 hrs
Get matched with a shop
What's involved

What this repair actually is.

The radiator sheds engine heat into the air passing through it. Plastic end tanks crack with age, cores corrode and clog, and road debris can damage the fins. We remove the old radiator, transfer any fittings and sensors, install the new unit with fresh coolant, and bleed and pressure-check the system.

Symptoms

How you can tell.

  • Coolant leaking from the front of the car
  • Crusty white or green deposits on the radiator
  • Overheating in traffic or on the highway
  • Cracked plastic tank on the radiator's side or top
  • Sludgy or rusty coolant that keeps overheating after a flush
If you delay

A failing radiator leads to steady coolant loss and overheating, which can warp the cylinder head and blow the head gasket.

Maintenance tip

Flush coolant on schedule, watch for slow leaks.

Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.
Related

Often done together.