How Long Does A Car Radiator Last?

Different makes and models have their own quality and life expectancy. I don't think anyone who gives you an estimated mileage is going to give you an accurate idea of when you should replace it.

Instead just take a look @ it. Check the necks of the radiator to see if:
- its cracking or breaking
- hoses if they are damaged
- leaking of any sort
- if your car is over heating
- punctures or damages to the radiator unit itself

It might be hard to see if you're unable to take away the shrouds or front bumper of your car though.

Many factors to consider, but I just changed mine last year after 19 years and 220k. I'm the original owner of the 92' Acura so I know it's never been changed before.

i think the fin part of the radiator can last a long time. just spray it down with water every so now and then to get the dirt and debris out. i think its the necks and end tanks that are prone to cracking, since they tend to be plastic.

chillychin wrote: ↑Just curious how long a car radiator should last?

I read some places that it should last 10 years or about a decade.

Some other places said about 100-120k

Anyone can confirm or support these?

I just wanted to get a rough idea as to when I should replace mine.

Thanks

if it is not leaking just leave it be.

If you're not leaking coolant or overheating just leave it alone.

It will last indefinitely as long as it's not damaged.

chillychin wrote: ↑Just curious how long a car radiator should last?

I read some places that it should last 10 years or about a decade.

Some other places said about 100-120k

Anyone can confirm or support these?

I just wanted to get a rough idea as to when I should replace mine.

Thanks

What make and model, model year of vehicle do you drive - and - how many kms ?

How often do you flush your coolant ?

DJ_Peanuts22 wrote: ↑If you're not leaking coolant or overheating just leave it alone.

+1

BDSL wrote: ↑+1

+2

99 GMC still has the original rad 230k kms +
99 Accord replaced one after front end collision 5 yrs ago. The cheap replacement, replaced that two yrs ago after it developed a crack along the top.
58 Chev, original rad, 60+ yrs and still going strong.

Techhead wrote: ↑+2

+3

1010101010101 wrote: ↑+3

= 6

The original radiator on my car blew at 11 years 320,000 ish km.
'01 Lexus IS300... All hiel stereotypical toyota/lexus reliability and the al mighty 2jzge

i6s1 wrote: ↑It will last indefinitely as long as it's not damaged.

Yep. It's a radiator. It's not the most complex piece of machinery in the world, and it doesn't really have any parts that wear out.

corrosion from all the crap during winter kills your rad.

feidailo wrote: ↑i think the fin part of the radiator can last a long time. just spray it down with water every so now and then to get the dirt and debris out. i think its the necks and end tanks that are prone to cracking, since they tend to be plastic.

Is that recommended? Interesting to think about this question because my dad had a 91 or so Jetta and he sprayed the engine bay with water to clean it and it just stopped working. I suppose it was because he got water into some major components.

Obviously not from a lineage of car buffs, how should one treat water with relations to the engine?

UrbanPoet wrote: ↑The original radiator on my car blew at 11 years 320,000 ish km.
'01 Lexus IS300... All hiel stereotypical toyota/lexus reliability and the al mighty 2jzge

Still on my original radiator from a 97 Lexus ES300 with more than 433,000 km.
Still on original power steer pump, alternator, starter, engine, transmission, etc....
Drivetrain is still strong.

Sometimes, it is not the vehicle. It depends on how/where the vehicle is driven and if driver maintains the vehicle properly.
But of course, for most people, it is easier to blame it on the vehicle.

Supercooled wrote: ↑Is that recommended? Interesting to think about this question because my dad had a 91 or so Jetta and he sprayed the engine bay with water to clean it and it just stopped working. I suppose it was because he got water into some major components.

Obviously not from a lineage of car buffs, how should one treat water with relations to the engine?

Dont spray water on a hot engine, and be mindful of the air intake and electrical boxes. Other than that, theres nothing wrong with hosing the engine off.

i6s1 wrote: ↑Dont spray water on a hot engine, and be mindful of the air intake and electrical boxes. Other than that, theres nothing wrong with hosing the engine off.

What's the electrical box? The area with the fuses that control things like lights?

I just saw a picture of a 95 Legacy Outback with a pretty much pristine engine bay. That's dedication!

Also if you can place a bag over the Alternator, that can be danaged by water.