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All cars are reliant on a radiator to cool the vehicle’s system down. But what happens when it cracks? Why did it crack in the first place?! Perhaps most importantly – how serious is the issue and can it be fixed? Here’s what you need to know about cracked radiators (see also 'How Long Do Radiators Last?'), what causes the issue and the symptoms to look out for if you think your radiator might be in trouble. What Is The Purpose Of A Car Radiator? Before we get to what causes a radiator to crack, what is the point of one in the first place? Well, as briefly explained, radiators eliminate heat from a car’s engine (see also 'How To Fix A Knocking Rod'). A thermostat in the engine’s front works to detect excess heat. The radiator then releases coolant and water to absorb the heat, in turn cooling the system down. Needless to say, a lot of issues can arise if the radiator isn’t working properly and can’t cool down your system. What Causes A Radiator To Crack? There are several factors that can cause a radiator to crack. This includes temperature fluctuations, rocks or small stones getting into the system, any potential road accidents, issues with the radiator fan, a dirty coolant, or overpressure. In terms of temperature, your radiator can work between ambient temperature (depends on location) to over 200 degrees. A dramatic shift in temperature can cause thermal stress. This stress affects metal and plastic in the radiator, which can result in a crack or leak. Your vehicle’s grill – which protects your radiator – can be susceptible to rocks and pieces of road debris getting inside. This can slowly but surely cause leaks and drips at the front of your vehicle. If you’ve gotten into a road accident, or any force that has pushed onto the front of your vehicle, this could result in a leak. The radiator fan can also damage the radiator itself. Cracks can be caused if it doesn't switch on, resulting in high temperatures that can pressurise your system. A spinning but wobbly fan can, on the other hand, damage the tubes by contacting the radiator and causing a leak. Corrosion occurs as a result of either a dirty coolant or using the wrong kind, leading to – you guessed it – another radiator leak. Flush your radiator on a regular basis to prevent damage this way. Your car’s cooling system has an antifreeze, which expands as it heats up. Expanding fluids are known to increase pressure in a closed system. While a radiator cap releases pressure at a certain point, a malfunctioning one can cause your system to overpressure. This damages fragile components in your radiator. What Are The Symptoms Of A Cracked Radiator? Like the causes, there are many ways to spot the sings that you might have a cracked radiator. Low coolant – if your low coolant light is on, you could have a leakSludge – your vehicle should be yellow, green, or red. Fluid that turns rusty and eventually becomes sludge means fluid can’t cool the engine efficiently.Overheating vehicle – a major sign the radiator is damaged. It means the radiator is not cooling the coolant effectively enough.Coolant that leaks onto the floor – coolant that leaks from the vehicle’s undercarriage is a sign there’s an issue with your radiator. Is It Safe To Drive With A Cracked Radiator? How serious is a cracked radiator? The answer is it can be very dangerous to drive with. This is because the engine might overheat which could, in the long run, cause your car to break down or even catch fire. That’s why it’s so important to spot the signs of a cracked radiator and know how to fix the issue. The rule of thumb is that if you have a cracked radiator, you should never drive with it in case of these situations. Can A Cracked Radiator Be Fixed? Luckily, there are a few things you can do to try and fix your car radiator before going to a professional, who should be able to restore it. If the crack is small enough, it should be possible to repair a cracked radiator yourself. One of the main ways you can attempt to fix a radiator is by using epoxy to seal any cracks you might be able to see. You’ll need to clean the area to remove dirt or grease that might prevent the epoxy from being able to seal to the radiator. Another way is to replace the car radiator itself. To do this, you’ll have to drain the fluids from it. Then, unbolt the brackets and then slide the new radiator in place, and secure it with the bolts you took out from the brackets. Commercial leak sealant can also be used to fix your car radiator. Not sure how to use it? Firstly, make sure your engine is cool, then simply open a the radiator car and pour it in. Add a coolant and water mixture if the radiator is low. This isn’t meant to be a permanent repair, but it could be a good temporary fix. How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Radiator Crack? As with anything, the cost of a repair depends on the root cause and overall damage caused to the car radiator and any surrounding parts. It also depends on the region you’re living in. As a general guide, in the UK it can cost anywhere from £258 and £501. In the US, this can range from $100 and $900. Again, it’s important to note that while the temporary fixes might be less expensive than a professional repair, a professional will be a permanent fix. Still, a temporary fix might be a good solution before going to a professional if you need to buy some time to save up for it. Summary We’ve covered everything from the purpose of a car radiator, to what causes it to crack and how to address the issue either by yourself or professionally. Hopefully, this information will help in case you’re ever in this sticky situation! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mDQbg7CHeo

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