How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Radiator on a Car?
Find out how much radiator replacement costs for your car in the UK, including parts, labor, and hidden expenses. Learn what affects pricing and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Radiator Repair Cost: What It Really Costs and What to Watch For
When your car starts overheating, the radiator is often the first place to check. A failing radiator isn’t just an inconvenience—it can wreck your engine if ignored. The radiator, a key part of your car’s cooling system that circulates coolant to keep the engine at the right temperature. Also known as cooling radiator, it’s made of aluminum or copper and works with the thermostat, water pump, and hoses to prevent overheating. If it leaks, cracks, or gets clogged, your engine runs hot—and that’s when repair costs start adding up.
Most radiator problems come down to three things: coolant leaks, a common issue caused by corroded hoses, loose clamps, or a cracked tank, blockages, from rust or debris that stops coolant from flowing, and overheating, the result of all the above, which puts pressure on the whole system. You might notice puddles under your car, steam from the hood, or a warning light on your dash. Some people try to patch a leak with sealant, but that’s a short-term fix. A proper repair means checking the entire cooling system—because if one part’s failing, others aren’t far behind.
Repair costs vary a lot. A simple hose clamp or minor leak fix might run £50 to £150. But if the radiator core is damaged, you’re looking at £250 to £600 for a full replacement, depending on your car model and labor rates in Stevenage. High-end cars or those with complex cooling layouts can push that even higher. The good news? You can avoid most of these costs by catching problems early. Check your coolant level monthly. Look for discolored fluid or oily residue—it means your head gasket might be leaking too. And never ignore that sweet, syrupy smell under the hood. That’s antifreeze, and it’s your car screaming for help.
Some shops will push a full replacement when a repair could work. Others might try to hide labor fees. That’s why getting a second opinion matters. At Stevenage Tyres & Car Services UK, we don’t guess—we test. We check pressure, inspect hoses, scan for error codes, and show you exactly what’s wrong before you pay a penny. We’ve fixed radiators on everything from old Ford Fiestas to modern Audis, and we know what parts hold up and what don’t.
Below, you’ll find real-world guides on radiator failure signs, how to spot a coolant leak before it turns into a breakdown, and what you’re actually paying for when you get that radiator replaced. No fluff. Just clear, honest info from people who’ve seen it all.
