How long should car radiator last?

eight to 10 years
Most radiators will last for the life of your vehicle. At the least, a properly maintained radiator should last up to eight to 10 years. However, there are some circumstances where you may need to replace the radiator sooner than that to keep your car running safely.

What makes a radiator go bad?

How can a radiator go bad? As coolant travels through the radiator, the internal passageways can develop a layer of scale. Debris in the coolant (such as metal particles) can cause a blockage in the radiator tubes. When the radiator stops working, there is too much pressure put on the thermostat.

How often should you change your radiator?

You should consider a new radiator if you’ve upgraded the car engine to produce more power. A more powerful engine gives out more heat so it will need an upgraded radiator to handle the higher heat output effectively. A properly maintained radiator should last at least 3 years, and up to 8-10 years.

What are the three main causes of radiator failure?

An inspection of old radiators will reveal the main causes of radiator failure, such as corrosion, physical damage and electrolysis, and provide tips for visual inspection.

Can radiator last forever?

Most auto mechanics feel that a properly maintained radiator should last for at least eight to 10 years. Older metal radiators, when well maintained, can last for the life of the car, but modern radiators are mostly made from plastic rather than metal, and plastic expands and contracts as the radiator heats and cools.

What happens if you don’t replace your radiator?

Overheating engine: Since the radiator cools the engine, a cracked radiator may not cool the engine like it is supposed to. This can cause the engine heat to rise, and eventually the vehicle will overheat. If you do not change your coolant enough, the radiator can start to corrode and crack over time.

What is the signs that you need a new radiator?

Signs you need a new radiator

• Your temperature gauge is running hot. If the needle on your temperature gauge is constantly running at the hotter end then there could be an issue.
• Your car is overheating.
• Leaking or low coolant.
• Radiator discolouration or sludge.
• Car heating issues.

What mileage should I replace my radiator?

Replacement schedules vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, as well as your driving style and environment. But it’s recommended that you flush the radiator every 24,000-36,000 miles or 2-3 years.

How much is a new radiator?

As a general rule, you can expect to pay between $250 and $500 per new radiator, plus somewhere around $800 for labor to install the whole system. If you end up needing to replace the boiler as well, expect an additional cost of between $500 and $1,500.