How Often Do Radiators Need To Be Replaced?
A vital part of vehicles that is often overlooked is the radiator. Your radiator was stressed during winter’s cold temperatures as the coolant froze, expanded, thawed, and then froze again. This can lead to cracks and leaks, resulting in damage to the transmission. Before heading out on a summer road trip, schedule a vehicle inspection and avoid an emergency radiator repair in a strange town.
Your radiator is working any time the engine is running. This is because coolant constantly cycles through to prevent overheating. It’s still technically on the job even when the engine is off, too, as it holds a significant amount of the coolant in the engine. Without a working radiator, your engine would quickly overheat, possibly causing catastrophic damage to your vehicle
So, how often do radiators need to be replaced? Radiators’ do have a limited lifespan, but there’s no set number of years. A lot will depend on how well you maintain the coolant system. It should last for many years.
Knowing the signs of a failing radiator can help prevent an urgent radiator repair, including:
- Coolant leaking on the ground under the radiator (this could also indicate a leak at a hose, the drain cock or other locations)
- Damaged fins on the radiator
- Temperature gauge rises quickly past normal operating temperature (this can also indicate low coolant, the air in the lines and other problems)
- Rust in the coolant
- Cracks in the plastic (many modern radiators are plastic, rather than metal)
Damage to the radiator can cause a ripple effect throughout the car, resulting in damage to the engine. What could have been a minor radiator repair could turn into a major engine job!
Wondering how often radiators need to be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about radiator repair and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
A vital part of vehicles that is often overlooked is the radiator. Your radiator was stressed during winter’s cold temperatures as the coolant froze, expanded, thawed, and then froze again. This can lead to cracks and leaks, resulting in damage to the transmission. Before heading out on a summer road trip, schedule a vehicle inspection and avoid an emergency radiator repair in a strange town.
Your radiator is working any time the engine is running. This is because coolant constantly cycles through to prevent overheating. It’s still technically on the job even when the engine is off, too, as it holds a significant amount of the coolant in the engine. Without a working radiator, your engine would quickly overheat, possibly causing catastrophic damage to your vehicle
So, how often do radiators need to be replaced? Radiators’ do have a limited lifespan, but there’s no set number of years. A lot will depend on how well you maintain the coolant system. It should last for many years.
Knowing the signs of a failing radiator can help prevent an urgent radiator repair, including:
- Coolant leaking on the ground under the radiator (this could also indicate a leak at a hose, the drain cock or other locations)
- Damaged fins on the radiator
- Temperature gauge rises quickly past normal operating temperature (this can also indicate low coolant, the air in the lines and other problems)
- Rust in the coolant
- Cracks in the plastic (many modern radiators are plastic, rather than metal)
Damage to the radiator can cause a ripple effect throughout the car, resulting in damage to the engine. What could have been a minor radiator repair could turn into a major engine job!
Wondering how often radiators need to be replaced? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about radiator repair and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
