The coolant in your car has an important job to do – it keeps your engine at a safe temperature, preventing overheating and protecting vital internal components from corrosion and freezing.

If you’ve noticed a sweet-smelling liquid under your car, or the temperature gauge is creeping up, then a coolant leak could be to blame.

Coolant leaks can happen unexpectedly, and you may not know how serious the problem is or what a repair could cost you.

Let’s break down coolant leak repair costs so that you can approach finding a fix with confidence...

 

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Average Coolant Leak Repair Costs (UK)

The prices in the following table can give you an idea of how much a coolant leak can cost to repair.

 

Repair Type Price - Low Price - High Average
Average coolant leak repair £50 £2,000 £400
Radiator small leak sealant £50 £100 £60
Radiator replacement £150 £900 £350
Repair/replacement of radiator's hoses, sealant, connectors or cap £50 £200 £100
Water pump repair £250 £700 £450
Head gasket repair £700 £2,000 £1,000

 

All costs in this section are based on data taken from Checkatrade.

 

Booking a prompt coolant leak repair is essential - putting off finding a fix could cost you more in the long run.

If you've noticed a red dashboard warning light or have spotted a leak under your car, book a repair sooner rather than later to keep on top of the problem.

 

How Much Does a Car Radiator Problem Cost to Fix?

Whilst coolant can leak from a range of hoses near the engine, the most common leak is from the radiator.

The prices in the following tables can give you a rough idea of what a radiator repair could cost you on average by car model and by location.

 

Car Model Average Radiator Replacement Cost
Toyota Aygo £300
Ford Fiesta £325
Mazda 3 £400
Fiat 500 £325
BMW 3 Series £450
Mercedes C-Class £510
Volvo XC90 £415

 

UK Region Radiator Replacement Cost Approximate Price Range
London £350 to £700
South East England £320 to £650
Midlands £300 to £600
North West England £280 to £580
Scotland £270 to £550
Wales £280 to £570

 

All costs in this section are based on data taken from Bumper.

 

Does My Car Have a Coolant Leak?

Coolant comes in a range of colours – green, yellow, blue, red, pink and clear – so it can be confusing to figure out if your vehicle is experiencing a coolant leak.

The telltale sign that an external coolant leak is present is the sweet smell that accompanies it, as well as the slimy texture it has.

If the liquid has these qualities, chances are you've got a coolant leak.

 

What Causes a Coolant Leak?

As coolant is contained within a sealed system, it shouldn’t be leaking - if it is, something is wrong which needs to be addressed.

An external coolant leak can be caused by any of the following:

  • A faulty or missing radiator cap
  • Small holes in the radiator
  • Coolant pump seal leaking
  • Cracks in the radiator hose, sealant and connectors
  • A damaged head gasket

You may have an external leak if you can see a drip on a hose or notice a pool of coolant under your car.

If your car’s coolant level is dropping but there’s no sign of an external leak, then the coolant could be leaking internally - possibly as a complication of head gasket failure.

 

Finding a Coolant Leak Fix...

A coolant leak isn't something to ignore, but it doesn't need to be stressful either.

Addressing the issue early on can help protect your engine and cooling system - and your wallet from a more costly repair!

Whilst engine coolant leak repair costs can vary depending on your car’s age, make and model, the repair itself can be a relatively easy fix, so why not book it now?

You can choose from a wide network of garages to find the best one to carry out your coolant leak repair.

Filter the results by what matters most to you - be it availability, price or distance.

You'll be glad you sorted your car's coolant problem out quickly - after all, why let a small issue turn into a big headache?

 

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Related Guides

Are Coolant and Antifreeze the Same Thing?

Not sure what the difference is between coolant and antifreeze? This blog can tell you everything you need to know.

What Causes a Blown Head Gasket?

Not sure if your car's head gasket has blown? Check out this blog to learn how to spot the signs.

How Much Does a Head Gasket Repair Cost?

Wondering how much a head gasket repair could cost you? This blog can help.

 

Frequently asked questions

What Is Engine Coolant?

The coolant in your car is usually a mix of antifreeze and water – most commonly a 50-50 blend - designed to regulate your engine’s temperature and precent overheating.

Can You Drive with an Engine Coolant Leak?

Driving with a coolant leak can lead to engine overheating or head gasket problems - or possibly even engine failure.

For this reason, you should not drive the car until you’ve had the issue repaired as it may not be safe.

If you do think your car is overheating whilst you’re driving, switch off the A/C and stop driving once it is safe to do so.

Let the engine cool fully if you are planning on opening the bonnet to check coolant levels.

You should have your car checked by a professional mechanic to make sure there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Is There a Problem with My Car’s Engine Coolant?

If you’ve noticed that the dashboard thermometer is showing a hotter than normal reading or that the thermometer light on the dashboard is on, there could be an issue with the coolant.

This could point towards a leak, but it could also be a loose radiator cap, faulty warning sensor or blocked radiator that’s causing problems.

You should have your car checked by a professional mechanic to pinpoint and fix the issue.