Cooling System inspection, repair & replacement
The cooling system in a vehicle mainly keeps the engine from overheating by transferring heat away from the engine and into the surrounding air.
A typical cooling system comprises of a radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant temperature sensor, coolant, cooling fan and an expansion tank. Heat is generated during engine operation by the combustion process, which is absorbed by the coolant flowing through the engine. As the coolant circulates through the radiator, the heat is dissipated into the surrounding air, keeping the engine at a safe operating temperature. The water pump circulates the coolant while the thermostat helps regulate the temperature.
Regular maintenance of the cooling system is crucial to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to the engine, including checking the coolant level, inspecting hoses for leaks and wear, and periodically flushing and replacing the coolant.
Cooling System services we offer
Expansion Tank replacement
An expansion tank replacement job involves removing and replacing the plastic container that holds excess coolant and allows it to expand and contract with temperature changes.
Car Thermostat replacement
Generally identified by overheating or poor fuel economy from overcooling, a malfunctioning thermostat is inspected and replaced by a mechanic in a thermostat replacement job. Depending on the make and model of the car, this process may also require coolant flush and replacement.
Car Radiator repair
During a radiator replacement process, the mechanic will inspect and for issues such as leaks, damaged hoses or a malfunctioning radiator core. If found to be faulty a complete new radiator may be required.
Car Water Pump replacement
Responsible for circulating the coolant through the cooling system, if a water pump is faulty or malfunctioning, it will need to be inspected and replaced during a water pump replacement job.
Engine Coolant replacement
During an engine coolant replacement job, a mechanic will drain and flush the existing coolant to get rid of any debris and contaminants. Then, a fresh mixture of manufacturer-recommended antifreeze and water will be added to the engine coolant reservoir.
Radiator Hose repair
In a radiator hose repair job, a mechanic will inspect and perform a pressure test to identify leaks with the hose and fix the problem area or replace it with a new hose if required. Once this is done, the cooling system will be refilled and reassessed for any leaks.
Cooling Fan repair
A cooling fan repair involves fixing problems with the electric fan that pulls air through the radiator to increase cooling efficiency. Simple fixes may include replacing a blown fuse or repairing wiring issues, while in more complex scenarios the entire cooling fan unit would be replaced.
Some of the Cooling System jobs we offer
- Cabin heater hose replacement - inlet
- Cabin heater hose replacement - outlet
- Coolant expansion tank replacement
- Coolant/antifreeze drain & refill
- Cooling fan replacement (both)
- Intercooler replacement
- Intercooler replacement (both)
- Radiator cooling fan replacement
- Radiator cowling replacement
- Radiator hose replacement - bottom
- Radiator hose replacement - top
- Radiator replacement
- Thermostat replacement
- Water pump (electric) replacement
- Water pump pulley replacement
- Water pump replacement
Frequently asked questions about cooling system inspection, repair & replacements
Read our answers to questions about cooling system inspection, repair & replacement costs, symptoms and more.
Want to learn more about your car's cooling system?
Read our short guide with information on symptoms and more.
Want to learn how we can help fix your car's cooling system?
ClickMechanic offers inspections, repairs, and replacements to solve problems with your car's cooling system.
What does the cooling system in a car do?
The cooling system is designed to maintain a certain temperature in your vehicle. Running hot will eventually start to warp the metals inside your engine, which is an expensive repair. Running cold will reduce the efficiency of your engine and other components that work best in high heat conditions, such as the catalytic converter.
What are the parts and components of the cooling systems?
Coolant
A mix of distilled water and coolant. The water provides cooling while the coolant protects from corrosion and lubricates the system.
Thermostat
The thermostat controls the flow of coolant by identifying how hot the engine is running.
Water Pump
The water pump pushes coolant through the system. It is driven by the timing chain, belt, or can have its own electric motor.
Radiator
The radiator dissipates heat to the surrounding air from the coolant. The many fins increase the surface area to maximise the cooling properties of the radiator.
Radiator fan
The radiator fan pushes the coolant through the radiator. This is usually activated at low speeds where the coolant has lower momentum.
Cooling pressure cap
The cooling pressure cap holds pressure inside the cooling system. This prevents the coolant from boiling until much higher temperatures. This means the system can be more efficient.
How do you know there is something wrong with the cooling system?
- When you can see smoke coming from your engine
- When you smell the vapour of the coolant fluid
- When you hear cranking sounds
- When you feel the engine heating up
- When the check engine light comes on
What are common problems with the engine cooling system?
Here are the common problems with a cooling system:
••Low coolant**
A leak in the system will drip away reserves of coolant. Less coolant means the cooling system will be working harder and the engine will eventually overheat.
*Failed thermostat
A faulty thermostat will block the flow of coolant to your engine. The lack of coolant will suddenly overheat your engine.
Worn Water pump
A worn water pump or an issue with the motor system will mean the coolant isn’t properly flowing through the engine. Your pump will be less efficient or broken altogether which will lead to your engine overheating.
Clogged radiator
A radiator can become clogged by poor quality coolant, which doesn’t lubricate the system properly. It will mean there is less coolant and that coolant will have a harder time getting through the system. It will have a gradual noticeable effect on your MPG but otherwise, be hard to diagnose.
Faulty radiator fan
A faulty radiator fan means that air can’t flow along the fins of a radiator, taking heat away from the coolant as it passes through the radiator. This means that both the air and coolant become increasingly hot.
Fault cooling system pressure cap
A broken pressure cap will not retain the pressure on the entire cooling system. This means that steam can vent out and will rapidly reduce the efficiency of the cooling system leading to an engine overheat.
How much does a Cooling System inspection, repair & replacement cost?
You can expect a car transmission inspection to cost around £80 depending on the location of the car. Depending on what repairs or replacements are needed after the cooling system inspection is carried out, the additional cost will differ in each case. To get an exact price for a specific transmission repair (like a thermostat replacement), enter your vehicle registration number along with your postcode above to get an instant price.
Check out the ClickMechanic price for a cooling system inspection, repair & replacement. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price. These estimates may include Timing belt kit, Engine coolant/antifreeze, Engine coolant/antifreeze, Cooling system thermostat, Engine coolant/antifreeze, Engine coolant/antifreeze, Radiator cooling fan, Radiator, Engine coolant/antifreeze, Header/expansion tank, Intercooler, Water pump pulley, Electric water pump and/or Water pump.
| Name | Average Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Audi | £359 | Get exact price |
| BMW | £285 | Get exact price |
| Citroen | £289 | Get exact price |
| Ford | £242 | Get exact price |
| Land Rover | £300 | Get exact price |
| Mercedes-Benz | £298 | Get exact price |
| Nissan | £272 | Get exact price |
| Peugeot | £271 | Get exact price |
| Renault | £427 | Get exact price |
| Toyota | £252 | Get exact price |
| Vauxhall | £210 | Get exact price |
| Volkswagen | £325 | Get exact price |
Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for a cooling system inspection, repair & replacement, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.
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Mechanics that undertake cooling system work
- Crw Automotive, Reading
- Dazzle Pristine Vehicle Servicing, Bexhill On Sea
- Evans Motors, Carmarthen
- Jarrow Mot Centre, Jarrow
- Jays Mobile Tyres, Belvedere
- Kg Autos, Glasgow
- Lavish Car Care, Edinburgh
- MT AUTOS, Walton On Thames
- Maidment Motors, Sherborne
- Marra Motorsport Ltd, Workington
- Patson Dzingai, Brechin
- RAC Motoring Services, Wolverhampton
- Rjt Diag Ltd, Knutsford
- Solent Mot Centre Ltd, Southampton