Vehicle Radiator: Leaks, Repairs, & Replacements

Auto engine coolant and radiator repair services prevent your car’s engine from overheating.  Your radiator’s job is to keep the coolant running throughout the vehicle’s engine. The engine will quickly overheat if there’s a block or a leak, resulting in your car breaking down.

An overheating engine will lead to damage to other parts of the engine and will require further repairs if left unotuched. The radiator repair can be as simple as a fluid flush or a hose replacement. Get your automobile into a Chicago auto repair shop to diagnose what is harming your vehicle.

Why Is My Car Overheating?

A vehicle typically overheats when something is affecting the engine’s cooling system. Over the lifetime of the vehicle, parts inside the cooling system fail and require replacements. Overheating engines are caused by clogged, blocked, or leaks that prevent the release of heat within the engine.

5 Reasons A Vehicle Will Overheat

• Blocked Hoses– prevents coolant from reaching all parts of the engine
• Radiator Problems– damaged hoses/fans within the radiator
• Coolant Issues– coolant ratio is off, the wrong coolant in the vehicle, or old coolant
• Broken Water Pump– water pump is failing to feed coolant into the engine
• Leak In The Cooling System– coolant levels are low or completely empty

How Much Does It Cost To Repair An Auto Cooling System?

Engine coolant repair costs will vary based on the type of repair. If the problem is small (hose leak) repairs could be under $200, but there is no way of knowing the cost without having a Chicago mechanic inspect the vehicle. If the repair requires a new radiator, costs will be much higher.

Standard radiator replacement costs vary between $292 and $1193 for both the components and labor involved in the installation if it is beyond repair. The estimated cost of replacing a radiator is close to $671. Depending on the make of the car and the complexity of the work involved, the price can differ significantly.

What Are The Signs Of Cooling System Failure?

Being proactive and regularly inspecting your car’s cooling system may help you catch an issue before it becomes unmanageable. Some signs of failure may be easy to spot but an overheating engine is not always easy to spot. Common signs of engine cooling failure include:

• White steam coming from the engine bay
• Coolant leaks below the vehicle (bright green fluid)
• Low coolant levels (should be checked when the engine is off)
• Exhaust smoke is white, signaling the engine block is damaged
• Dashboard engine temperature gauge is high

Is It Safe To Drive A Car That Is Overheating?

If your car engine is overheating, then the only thing you should do is pull over safely and call a Chicago auto shop for help.

As this could cause permanent harm to your engine, which could have you paying out more for maintenance in the long run, do not continue driving an overheated vehicle.

What To Do When My Engine Overheats? 

As stated above, pulling over and turning off the vehicle is always the first action to be taken. Never open the hood when the engine is overheating because it could result in burns. A driver only has a few options and it’s up to them to determine what is best for their vehicle or they can contact a Chicago vehicle repair professional for guidance.

1. Turn On The Car’s Heater- this will allow heat to escape the engine
2. Drive To An Auto Service Shop- only do this if a repair shop is within close proximity
3. Call For A Tow- continuing to drive will result in further damage

What Is A Coolant Flush?

A repair or replacement of an engine can cost thousands, but a coolant flush protects the health of your car and can restore the tempering agents of your engine.

A coolant flush includes cleaning the cooling system from dirt, rust, and sludge and checking different sections for signs of decline. This method also empties fluid from your radiator all the used coolant material and replaces it with fresh coolant.

How Often Should A Radiator Flush Be Preformed?

If you are curious about the maintenance period for your car’s cooling system, you should refer to your owner’s manual to find out what the manufacturer recommends. In general, every 30,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first, most vehicles need coolant service.

If you no longer have access to the car’s manual contact a Chicago auto repair professional, they will look up the maintenance schedule your vehicle requires.

How Long Does It Take To Flush A Radiator?

An experienced mechanic can perform a coolant flush in about 30 min. Mechanics are equipped with commercial tools that speed up the process and have you back on the road in a flash.

What Is The Cost Of A Radiator Flush?

A radiator flush will range from $250-$600, depending on the type of vehicle that is being serviced. Some vehicles require more extensive procedures and more expensive fluids. To get an exact estimate, contact an auto repair shop in Chicago, IL.

What Causes A Radiator To Leak?

The most common cause of radiator damage is corrosion in the radiator. Radiator hoses and connections to the hoses accumulate sediment and rust that can punch holes in the radiator over time.

Bad coolant may be the cause of overheating in a few cases. Bad service practices often harm the radiator, though this should not be a concern if serviced by a professional.

Over-filling the radiator, for instance, may cause leaks from increased water pressure. Excessive heat and pressure on the radiator may also be generated by a bad thermostat or a heater heart.

Can I Drive With A Radiator Leak?

Radiator coolant keeps your engine cold and running smoothly. The coolant will be lost if your radiator leaks and the engine will be prone to overheating. Further damage to the vehicle will result from an overheating motor.

You should not drive your car anywhere, and you should have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic. Continuing to drive will add costly damages.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Radiator Leak?

A coolant leak can mean a crack in your engine. If your car leaks coolant, it can cause the engine to overheat, resulting in a totaled automobile.

A coolant leak fix’s average cost is around $786.00. It may only be about $100 if you spot the issue early on. The leak will also force the engine to work harder and burn more gas.

What Should I Do If My Vehicle Has A Damaged Coolant System?

The first thing to do is to stop driving the vehicle. Determine if it’s safe to drive to a nearby auto repair shop or have a trusted Chicago mechanic tow the vehicle to their shop. The repair professionals will inspect the vehicle and determine what repairs need to be performed.

Contact several vehicle repair providers to ensure the repair costs are consistent and necessary for your vehicle.