Complete radiator repair Services

What's the difference between a radiator flush and a coolant exchange?

Most people use the terms interchangeably, but they're not the same thing. A true radiator flush historically meant running cleaning chemicals through the cooling system, and on modern vehicles those chemicals can damage seals and gaskets. A coolant exchange uses a machine that pushes new coolant in as old coolant comes out — typically replacing 90% or more of the fluid. That's the service modern vehicles actually need, and it's what we perform at Ernie's. When a customer asks for a "flush," we perform a coolant exchange — safer for the vehicle, and far more effective than a simple drain-and-fill.

How often should I have my coolant exchanged?

It depends on the coolant type and the vehicle. Traditional green coolant typically needs exchange every 30,000 miles or three years. Long-life coolants (often dyed orange, red, yellow, pink, or blue) are designed for 100,000–150,000 miles. Your owner's manual is the definitive source. If you don't know which coolant your vehicle uses or when it was last serviced, we'll test the condition and pH and tell you whether it's still doing its job.

How much does radiator replacement cost?

Radiator replacement cost varies significantly by vehicle. Most passenger cars fall in the $400–$900 range for parts and labor using quality aftermarket or OE-equivalent radiators; some trucks, luxury vehicles, or engines with complex cooling systems can run higher. We give a written estimate after inspection, and where repair of the existing radiator is possible (for example, a leaking tank seal), we'll quote that as an alternative. Call (614) 235-8037 for a quote on your specific vehicle.

Why is my car overheating?

The most common causes are a low coolant level (often from a leak), a failed thermostat stuck closed, a failed water pump, a clogged radiator, a broken cooling fan or fan relay, or — in serious cases — a blown head gasket. Overheating almost always gets worse the longer you drive it, and sustained overheating can damage or destroy an engine. If your temperature gauge climbs into the red, pull over, shut off the engine, and let it cool. Then call for a tow or a ride — don't keep driving to "just make it home."

Is there coolant leaking under my car?

Coolant is typically bright green, orange, pink, yellow, red, or blue depending on type, and has a sweet smell. If you see colored fluid under your vehicle that isn't oil (dark brown or black) or transmission fluid (reddish), and especially if it smells sweet, you likely have a coolant leak. Common leak points are radiator hoses, hose clamps, the water pump, the radiator itself (pinhole leaks or cracked plastic tanks), the thermostat housing, and the heater core. We pressure-test cooling systems to pinpoint the exact source before quoting a repair.

Can you repair a leaking radiator or does it need to be replaced?

It depends on where and how the radiator is leaking. A leaking hose fitting or a failed gasket between the radiator core and the plastic tank can sometimes be repaired. A crack in the plastic tank or a hole in the core itself is typically a replacement — stop-leak products buy you a few days or weeks at best and can clog heater cores and water pumps. We'll inspect and tell you honestly whether repair is a realistic option for your specific situation.

Why is my car's heater not working?

Heater problems are often cooling-system problems in disguise. Low coolant, a stuck-open thermostat, a failed water pump, or a clogged heater core can all prevent heat from reaching the cabin. In most cases we diagnose both the cooling system and the heating system together — they share components and failures in one affect the other. More on heater-specific issues is covered on our AC & heating service page.