How much will radiator repair cost at a garage?
The cost of flushing a car radiator will vary depending on whether you do it yourself or employ a mechanic to do the job professionally.
If you do it, you’ll be able to keep costs down and just pay for the new coolant, which should be around $50. If you go to a mechanic, the cost will be around $90 depending on your car make and model.
Replacing a car radiator, however, can set you back over $300-$900. Labour costs involve a mechanic checking for leaks, removing the radiator, a whole system flush and the installation of a new radiator.
With costs this high it may be tempting to ignore the leak while the car is still functioning. But this can have dangerous consequences.
The dangers of leaving a radiator leak
Your car radiator’s primary function is to keep your engine cool, preventing it from overheating. And that means something as “harmless” as a small radiator leak can develop into a serious issue if left untreated.
Problems which can occur from an ignored radiator leak include:
A cracked engine block
The heat and pressure of an overheating engine can also cause the engine block to crack or even melt.
A cracked engine block is an expensive repair that has no quick fix. If an untreated car radiator leak is left to cause this type of damage, you could be over $3,000 out of pocket and off the road for some time.
A blown head gasket
If it’s not treated quickly, a radiator leak can also lead to a blown head gasket.
A blown gasket will allow coolant to enter the car’s cylinders. This will soon lead to severe engine damage, as it prevents the engine from lubricating properly.
An overheated engine
With coolant leaking out of the radiator, there will be restrictions on your vehicle’s ability to regulate its temperature.
An overheated engine will cause the car to become difficult to drive – you’ll experience notable power drops, which could be a big problem on busy roads and highways.
Costs of repairing an overheated engine due to an radiator leak
The costs of repairing an overheated engine caused by ignoring a radiator leak vary from relatively cheap ‘quick-fixes’, to eye-watering engine replacements.
Minor repair costs
Minor repairs triggered by the side effect of a coolant leak will cost less. Heater hose replacement, thermostat replacement and cooling fan wiring repairs will on average come to $100 or less.
Major repair costs
Major repairs and extensive engine work will cost more. Water pump replacement, changing the heater core, car radiator and head gasket replacements can range from $500 – $1,500.
Engine replacement
A badly overheated cylinder will need to be pressure tested and inspected for warping and engine block crack/melt. These issues can lead to a complete engine rebuild and cost several $1,000 to fix.
How to identify a car radiator leak
Ignoring a radiator leak will lead to a costly outcome which can put you and your vehicle at risk. Stay on top of leaks by looking out for common radiator leak symptoms, such as:
- Pools of coolant leak under your car
- A frequently overheating engine
- Coolant levels which drop rapidly
If you notice these symptoms, act upon them quickly with a bottle of K-Seal.
Save on repair costs with our radiator stop leak
Using K-Seal to fix a radiator leak could end up saving you thousands of dollars.
Rather than wait until an item needs replacing, avoid further damage and costs by noticing the signs of a car radiator leak and acting upon them with our radiator stop leak.
With K-Seal, there’s no risk of further overheating. Our scientifically tested blend of chemicals and micro-fibres circulate through your vehicle’s engine, permanently filling holes, leaks and cracks in the radiator or cooling system.
All you need to do is:
- Find your local supplier of K-Seal.
- Shake the bottle.
- Pour this trusted radiator stop leak into the coolant reservoir or radiator.
- Run the engine to its operating temperature, and go!