Radiators

The radiator transfers heat from the engine coolant to the air passing through it, keeping the engine within its operating temperature range.

What it does

Hot coolant from the engine flows through a core of narrow tubes and fins. Airflow from vehicle movement or the cooling fan carries the heat away, and the cooled coolant returns to the engine.

Signs a radiator is failing

The temperature gauge reading higher than normal, especially in traffic or on climbs
Coolant loss with visible staining or crust around the core or end tanks
Steam or a sweet smell from the engine bay
Visible damage to the core fins from road debris
Coolant that looks rusty or has debris in it

When to replace them

Not scheduled. Replaced after damage, internal blockage or a leak, most commonly at the crimp between an aluminium core and a plastic end tank.

What to confirm before ordering

Have these ready and the counter can usually confirm the part in under a minute.

Engine code and whether the vehicle has air conditioning
Manual or automatic transmission, since automatics often route cooler lines through the radiator
Core dimensions and inlet and outlet positions
Whether the condenser has also been damaged, since they share airflow

Radiators by vehicle

Pick your vehicle for the years and engines covered, and what is specific to that application.

Radiators questions

Can a radiator be repaired rather than replaced?

Older copper and brass cores can often be repaired. Most modern radiators use aluminium cores with plastic end tanks and are replaced instead, because the usual failure point is the crimp joint between the two.

Why does the branch ask whether the vehicle has air conditioning?

Because air-conditioned vehicles frequently use a different radiator specification and a different fan arrangement to cope with the additional heat load from the condenser sitting in the same airflow.