How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Car Radiator?

The radiator is a critical part of your car's cooling system, which keeps the engine from overheating. To lower the engine temperature, coolant flows through a system known as the cooling jacket. As it flows around the engine, the coolant absorbs the engine's heat. Then, the now-warm coolant flows to the radiator, where it's chilled and pumped out again to absorb more heat from the engine.

All internal combustion engines use a system like this. If you have a hybrid vehicle, there's another element: a small cooling system for the electric engine that splits off the bottom of the radiator. Fully electric vehicles don't have radiators because they don't have any internal combustion engines to cool; they use a different cooling system for the electric components.

Radiators usually last for about 80,000 miles. However, the life span of radiators can vary greatly, so look for signs of a failing radiator, including an engine that's running hot or leaking coolant.

Since radiators are so important to your vehicle, it's usually easy to know when they're not working well. The signs of a failing radiator that needs replacement or repair include:

• An overheating engine. You might notice your temperature gauge on the dashboard is too high, see a dashboard warning light or smell burning.
• Leaking coolant. A puddle of colored liquid under your car—often pink, green or orange—is a sign that your radiator is leaking. Once it springs a leak, the entire system becomes less efficient.

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.

Unfortunately, radiators are not typically covered by manufacturer warranties. That's because although radiators are essential, they're not technically part of the powertrain. This is an expense you'll likely have to pay out of pocket.

The price for replacing your radiator can vary widely. Here's what typically impacts the cost:

• Your vehicle's year, make and model. Luxury and large vehicles are generally more expensive to repair than smaller or less high-end vehicles.
• Radiator material. Radiators are most often made of copper or aluminum. Copper radiators are much more expensive than aluminum radiators.
• Radiator size and performance. Some people opt to upgrade their radiator to a large or high-performance model. This can give you more horsepower by cooling the engine and helping it run efficiently, but you'll pay more for an upgraded radiator.
• Where you buy the radiator. A new radiator from your vehicle's manufacturer (OEM parts) will be the most expensive, while a new aftermarket radiator or a used radiator will be more affordable.
• Labor costs. Where you live and the shop you go to will impact labor costs. If you're handy, you can save by replacing the radiator yourself.
• Other damage. If your radiator goes and the engine overheats, you may need other repairs in addition to a new radiator, like a new coolant pump or hoses.

When your engine overheats or you notice it leaking coolant, you might assume you need to replace your radiator. But that's not always the case. Sometimes, radiators can be repaired, which is usually more cost-efficient than getting a whole new radiator. Plus, you might be able to repair your radiator yourself, saving even more money.
Simple radiator repairs include:

• Plugging small radiator holes with a stop-leak product
• Replacing a cracked radiator cap
• Repairing or replacing cracked or damaged radiator hoses

Copper radiators are usually easier to repair than aluminum radiators. However, they're more expensive to purchase.

Getting a new radiator is pricey, especially since this is a repair that needs to be done as soon as possible to get you back on the road safely. These tips could save you money on radiator replacement:

• Shop aftermarket parts or use a secondhand radiator.
• Install an aluminum radiator, which is more affordable than (but not as durable as) a copper radiator.
• Call three shops to ask about their labor prices. Don't be afraid to ask the mechanic questions.
• Consider DIYing if you have the skills and tools.
• Ask your mechanic about repair rather than replacement options.
• Check your warranty. Although powertrain warranties don't typically cover radiator replacement, a bumper-to-bumper or extended warranty might.

There's a lot of variation in how long radiators last. Taking good care of your radiator and cooling system might make your radiator last longer and could help you delay costly repairs or a replacement. To keep your radiator running, follow these tips:

• Check your coolant. Always use the type of coolant that's recommended in your owner's manual. The manual will also tell you how often to top off your coolant.
• Flush the radiator. Over time, rust and other debris can build up in the radiator and keep it from running well. Flush your radiator at least once a year to remove old coolant and any debris.
• Don't strain the engine. If your engine is working harder, the radiator needs to work harder to cool it. Avoid towing or hauling too much weight or driving aggressively, since this can strain the engine and therefore the radiator.
• Run your car regularly. Sitting isn't good for vehicles or their radiators—although there are ways to keep your car healthy when you're driving less. Try to drive your car regularly, including about two trips on the highway each month to ensure the cooling system runs well.
• Address any issues early. See your mechanic if you notice a high engine temperature, a burning smell, leaking fluid or other symptoms of a bad radiator.

A radiator that's not working well could leave you stranded or cause expensive damage to your engine. Although radiator replacement costs can run between $700 and $1,000, getting a new radiator promptly when you need one can keep your car running and save you money in the long run.

The Synchrony Car Care™ credit card can help you manage costs for emergency car repairs, including radiator replacements. Learn more about the Synchrony Car Care™ credit card and apply today.

READ MORE: Common Car Problems: DIY or Call a Pro?