Repair or Replace? 4 Critical Radiator Considerations

Your vehicle's radiator may not be its most expensive or glamorous component, but it serves a vital role as your engine's protector. Without a properly functioning cooling system, you can quickly find yourself staring down a terrifying large repair bill. And while your cooling system consists of many components, your radiator is the most important part.

If you think that you're suffering from a radiator problem, then you may wonder whether to repair or replace it. Many automotive shops may try to push you towards a replacement, but the decision isn't always that easy. Before deciding which option is right for you, carefully consider these four essential questions.

1. Is Your Radiator Copper or Aluminum?

Radiators typically come in two types: aluminum or a mixture of copper and brass. Copper radiators have been the standard for many years, although many manufacturers use factory aluminum radiators. Copper is typically an easier material to work with, and less skilled welders can perform repairs on these radiators.

Fortunately, aluminum radiators are not beyond hope. Although some auto shops may not work with aluminum, a skilled welder can still repair this material. If your car has an aluminum radiator, then you'll need to find a company with experience performing repairs on cooling equipment of this type.

2. How Old Is Your Car?

If you own an older vehicle, then you already know that finding parts can sometimes be challenging. While junkyard finds can work well, be careful about trusting used parts when dealing with something as vital as your cooling system. Depending on the rarity of your car, you may not even be able to find a replacement.

As long as the damage isn't severe, repairing your radiator may be a much better option. A professional technician can evaluate the overall condition of the part, ensuring that your radiator won't fail again shortly. If your mechanic discovers more damage or weak spots, then those can be repaired at the same time.  

3. Did You Attempt Temporary Repairs?

Unfortunately, attempting temporary repairs may make your radiator a lousy candidate for a permanent fix. In particular, liquid solutions like radiator stop leak can do more harm than good. Stop leak products can gum up internal parts of the radiator, blocking channels and reducing coolant flow. They might solve the immediate problem, but they can leave the radiator worse off.

Always inform your mechanic if you've used any of these products. While you may still be able to repair your radiator, you will want the mechanic to inspect it for clogs or other damage thoroughly. Your car's manufacturer engineered the cooling system for a specific flow rate, so a clogged radiator can potentially leave you with a much higher repair bill in the future. In these cases, replacement is the better option.

4. How Bad Is The Damage?

Finally, the shop that you're working with will need to evaluate the level of the damage to the radiator. If your car has been in a severe front-end collision, then your old part is likely unsalvageable. In general, you can expect most shops to be able to repair small leaks so long as the radiator is not missing a significant amount of material.

Your mechanic will also consider the location of the damage. Many modern radiators use plastic parts, and damage near these areas can be difficult or impossible to repair. Not all failures of this type are hopeless, however. Skilled shops can sometimes replace the attached plastic parts while keeping the radiator's functionality intact.

Kell Radiator Service has experience dealing with all types of radiators, including aluminum core models with attached plastic tanks. Get in touch to see if we can help you to fix your vehicle's radiator and save you from a costly replacement bill!