What is how much does it cost to replace radiator and Why Do We Use Them?

When your vehicle engine is running, it can easily reach temperatures of more than 3,600 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures that hot can cause your engine to overheat, expand and crack, rendering it useless. To avoid that nightmare scenario, your car's radiator cools the engine, keeping its temperature low enough that it can run for hours at a time.

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Car radiators are essential, and problems with your car's radiator need to be addressed promptly. Continue reading to learn more about common radiator problems and the price you can expect to pay to have them fixed, or to replace your car's radiator completely.

What does a car radiator do?

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.

How long do car radiators last?

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.

Signs your car may need a new radiator

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.

Average cost to replace a car radiator

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.

Factors affecting car radiator replacement cost

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.

Radiator replacement vs. repair

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.

How to save money on car radiator replacement

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:

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• 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.

Car radiator maintenance tips

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.

MySynchrony financing for car radiator replacement

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?

Below we break down the different price tags you might see for replacing your radiator to help you budget for the replacement.

By Heat Source

The type of heat source you choose can mean the difference between a $200 replacement and a $1,500 one. Radiators come in three different types: electric, hot water and steam. Let’s look at how much each heat source might cost.

Electric Radiators

Coming in at $50 to $600 each, electric heaters are the most budget-friendly radiators to replace. Some electric radiant heaters are plug-and-go space heaters, meaning you only need to purchase the new one and plug it in—no installation fees are required. If you live in a colder climate, you’ll likely want a wall-mounted radiator system that evenly distributes heat throughout your home. This may cost an extra $75 to $500 in labor.

Hot Water Radiator

The cost to replace a hot water radiator, also called a hydronic radiator, is anywhere from $200 to $1,600 per unit. This unit has a two-pipe system, making it more time-consuming to install than an electric radiator. For this reason, you’ll also need to add on labor costs ranging from $200 to $1,000.

Steam Radiator

Replacing a steam radiator costs between $200 and $2,500 on average. Steam radiators have a similar installation fee to hot water radiators, so you might spend an extra $75 to $1,000 to install your replacement unit.

By Size

Larger systems can cost significantly more than smaller systems. Anticipate paying between $200 and $550 for smaller systems and between $850 and $2,100 per unit for larger systems, not including the installation.

By Type

Radiator replacement cost largely varies based on the type of radiator. Below are some basic costs depending on the type of radiator that you have:

• Baseboard radiators: $50 to $1,100
• Single-panel radiators: $100 to $900
• Double-panel radiators: $250 to $1,200
• Freestanding radiators: $50 to $250
• Column radiators: $100 to $1,600

Radiators come in an assortment of types that range in price from $50 to $1,500, depending on which type you choose. Baseboard and freestanding radiators come in at the lowest starting price, while double-panel radiators and high-end column radiators come in at the highest price points.

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