Radiator Repair and Replacement — At Your Location
Your radiator is the primary heat exchanger in your vehicle's cooling system. As hot coolant flows through its network of thin tubes and fins, air passing across the surface carries heat away — dropping the coolant temperature by 30–50°F before it cycles back through the engine. When the radiator is compromised by leaks, clogs, or physical damage, your engine's cooling capacity drops dramatically, leading to overheating and potential engine destruction.
At Auto Repair Mobile Mechanic, we perform complete radiator diagnostics, repairs, and replacements at your home or office throughout Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and all of South Florida. Whether it's a small leak or a complete radiator failure, we handle it on-site with professional results.
Radiator Services We Perform On-Site
- Radiator leak diagnosis — pressure testing to pinpoint exact leak locations
- Radiator replacement — complete removal and installation of new radiator
- Radiator hose replacement — upper, lower, and overflow hoses
- Radiator fan diagnosis and repair — electric fan motors, relays, and temperature switches
- Radiator cap replacement — ensuring proper system pressure maintenance
- Overflow tank replacement — cracked or leaking coolant reservoirs
- Transmission cooler repair — built-in transmission fluid cooling lines in the radiator
- Coolant flush with radiator service — fresh coolant in the entire system
Signs Your Radiator Needs Repair
- Coolant puddle under the car — green, orange, or pink fluid on the ground
- Engine temperature rising above normal — the radiator isn't cooling effectively
- Visible damage or corrosion — cracked plastic tanks, corroded fins, or impact damage
- Discolored or contaminated coolant — rust, oil, or transmission fluid in the coolant
- Low coolant level recurring — constant need to add coolant indicates a leak
- AC not cooling well — a clogged radiator affects the condenser's airflow too
- Transmission overheating — the radiator's built-in trans cooler may be blocked
- Steam from under the hood — coolant escaping and hitting hot engine surfaces
How Mobile Radiator Repair Works
1. Diagnosis: We perform a cooling system pressure test to identify the exact source and severity of any leaks. Sometimes what appears to be a radiator leak is actually a hose, water pump, or heater core issue. Accurate diagnosis ensures you only pay for what's actually needed.
2. Assessment: Based on the leak location and radiator condition, we recommend repair or replacement. Small, accessible leaks can sometimes be repaired, but most radiator failures require replacement — especially on modern vehicles with plastic-tank radiators where cracks typically propagate.
3. Professional Replacement: We drain the cooling system, disconnect all hoses and transmission lines, remove the fan assembly and shroud, extract the old radiator, install the new one with fresh mounting bushings, reconnect everything, and fill with fresh coolant.
4. Complete Verification: We bleed the system, run the engine to operating temperature, verify the thermostat opens, confirm both radiator fans operate correctly, pressure test the new installation, and check every connection for leaks.
Florida Climate and Radiator Stress
Radiators in Florida endure some of the harshest operating conditions in the country. Summer ambient temperatures exceeding 95°F reduce the temperature differential the radiator relies on to shed heat. Hours of idling in South Florida traffic with minimal airflow over the radiator push cooling fans to their limits. Florida's coastal salt air accelerates corrosion on aluminum radiator fins and plastic tank seals. And love bugs (twice a year!) coat radiator fins, severely blocking airflow. We recommend inspecting your radiator during every oil change and cleaning bug debris from the fins regularly, especially after the spring and fall love bug seasons.
Why Mobile Radiator Service Makes Sense
- Never drive an overheating car — even one mile can cause head gasket or engine failure
- Save on towing — we come to you, no $150+ tow bill
- Faster turnaround — no shop queue, dedicated service for your vehicle
- See the problem — we show you the damage so you understand the repair
- Complete service — we handle the radiator, hoses, coolant, and fans all in one visit
Radiator Repair Pricing
- Radiator replacement (most vehicles): $350–$800 (parts + labor)
- Radiator hose replacement: $80–$200 per hose
- Radiator fan motor replacement: $200–$450
- Cooling system pressure test: $60–$80
- Complete cooling system service (radiator + flush + thermostat): $500–$1,000
All radiator work includes fresh coolant fill and our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.
Service Areas
Fort Lauderdale area: Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Plantation, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Davie, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Lauderhill, Boca Raton
Tampa area: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Temple Terrace, Carrollwood, Lutz, Plant City, Lakeland
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cracked radiator be repaired, or does it need replacement?
It depends on the damage location and material. Metal radiators can sometimes be repaired by a radiator shop. Plastic-tank radiators (most modern vehicles) generally cannot be reliably repaired — the plastic cracks tend to spread. We almost always recommend replacement for reliability and safety.
How long does a radiator replacement take?
Most radiator replacements take 1.5–3 hours depending on the vehicle. Some vehicles with tight engine bays or additional components in the way may take longer. We'll give you an accurate time estimate for your specific car.
Why is there oil in my coolant?
Oil in the coolant can indicate a failed head gasket, cracked engine block, or (on vehicles with built-in transmission coolers) a ruptured transmission oil cooler inside the radiator. This is serious and requires immediate diagnosis to determine the source. Don't keep driving — the mixing of fluids causes damage to multiple systems.