Radiator Repair & Replacement
Also called radiator leak repair
The radiator passes hot coolant through thin tubes so air can carry the heat away. It leaks at the plastic end tanks, at seams, and where stones have punctured the fins, and it silts up internally with old coolant. Small leaks can be repaired and a blocked core can sometimes be re-cored, but a cracked tank means replacement. Timing varies widely, so the plan is agreed after the radiator has been pressure tested.
Signs you need this
- Coolant puddle under the front of the car
- Temperature gauge climbing, especially in traffic
- Coolant level in the reservoir keeps dropping
- White steam or a sweet smell from the bonnet
- Visible crusty stains or damp on the radiator face or tank seam
- Heater blows cold because the system is low on coolant
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Pressure test of the cooling system to locate the leak
- Radiator removal and inspection of tanks, seams and core
- Repair, re-core or replacement depending on what the test shows
- New hoses, clamps and radiator cap where they are past their life
- Cooling fan, shroud and mounting inspection while the front is apart
- Refill, bleed of trapped air and a hot running test
How we do it
Pressure test first
The cold system is pressurised so the leak shows itself, rather than replacing a radiator on appearance alone.
Remove and assess
The radiator comes out and the tanks, seams and core are examined to decide between repair and replacement.
Repair or replace
A repairable core is soldered or re-cored; a cracked plastic tank or heavily corroded core means a new radiator.
Refill and bleed
The system is refilled with the correct coolant mix and bled, because trapped air causes overheating on its own.
Run and recheck
The engine is run to full temperature with the fan cycling, then the level and joints are rechecked.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book radiator repair & replacement
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.