Plastic end tanks crack, cores clog with corrosion, and a radiator that's leaking at the seam isn't repairable. We replace the radiator, the hoses that are usually just as old, and refill with the correct coolant, then bleed the system properly so there's no air pocket to cause a second overheat.
Signs you need radiator replacement
- Coolant leaking from the front of the car
- Green, orange, or pink crust on the radiator
- Overheating in traffic but fine at speed
- Transmission fluid in the coolant (on radiators with built-in coolers)
What we do on site
- Confirm the radiator is the leak source with a pressure test
- Drain coolant and disconnect hoses, fans, and transmission lines
- Install the new radiator with new hoses and clamps
- Refill, vacuum-bleed the system, and verify no leaks
- Run to temperature and confirm fan operation
Doing this in a driveway
Straightforward mobile job on most cars and trucks.
Parts we use
Radiator, upper and lower hoses, clamps, coolant, cap.
Pricing: Moderate; the radiator is the main cost and varies by vehicle. Every job is quoted in writing before we start, and there's no upsell — how our pricing works.
FAQ
Radiator Replacement: common questions
Can a radiator leak be repaired instead of replaced?
Plastic-tank radiators can't be reliably repaired. Stop-leak products may plug it briefly but also clog the heater core. Replacement is the right fix.
Should I replace the thermostat at the same time?
If it's original and the car has some miles, yes — it's cheap while the coolant is already drained.