The last thing a truck driver would want is for their truck’s engine cooling system to go bad. Whether they are casual or commercial truck drivers. A truck, being a heavy-duty vehicle, involves tedious driving routines compared to a regular car.

Despite paying attention to the maintenance of the vehicle, it may malfunction. Seeing a puddle of coolant beneath your truck/car may prompt the first thought/question to cross your mind- "How much will it cost to replace the radiator?" There is no doubt that a radiator is one of the most critical parts of any truck or car. It can become ineffective due to age, impact, vibration, corrosion, etc.

To avoid extensive damage to the engine, drivers must replace the radiator immediately. A well-maintained truck radiator has an average lifespan of eight to ten years.

if you’re wondering how much it would cost? here is the answer.

Ideal Cost When Replacing a Truck Radiator

Taking into account labor costs, the price of replacing a radiator can vary greatly depending on where you buy it. According to some estimates, the average cost of a radiator replacement for a truck in the United States is $896.

Is it Time Consuming?

It is wise to count time as a “cost”. If you pay a few dollars extra but save yourself some time, it’s a win. When you save time, you also save on gas and energy.

Depending on the person, replacing a radiator can take a few hours or more. An experienced professional mechanic should be able to complete the task in two to three hours. For someone doing it for the first time, finding the bolts and other parts may take up to eight hours.

Can I Replace My Own Truck Radiator?

Despite the fact that replacing a radiator can take most of the day, it is achievable with due diligence and patience. Radiators need to be replaced by draining old ones, removing any parts holding them in place, removing and replacing them with new ones, reinstalling any removed parts, and adding coolant.

However, it is always advisable to visit your regular or closest workshop.

Radiator Replacement Steps

1. Step 1: Raise the vehicle and support it.
2. Step 2: Drain all coolant from the radiator.
3. Step 3: Pull off the radiator reservoir hose.
4. Step 4: Remove the upper radiator hose.
5. Step 5: Unplug the lower radiator hose.
6. Step 6: Disconnect the fan's electrical connections.
7. Remove the mounting bolts for the cooling fan.

But Do You Know Your Truck Radiator?

You cannot cook a meal unless you know the ingredients. Similarly, to replace a radiator, you must be acquainted with all its parts.

• The core: The flow of hot coolant through the core allows heat to be released from the engine and cooled by the radiator for the next cycle.
• The pressure caps: For the cooling system to remain pressurized, the pressure cap keeps it sealed. The radiator keeps the coolant from boiling by pressurizing it.
• Outlet and Inlet tank: The coolant flows into and out of the radiator through the inlet and outlet tanks in the radiator head. Hot liquid flows from the engine into the inlet tank, and then is cooled and returns to the engine via the outlet tank.
• Radiator hose: Coolant moves through the engine through radiator hoses. Connecting the radiator and engine to the inlet and outlet tanks requires this tube.

Together with your radiator, the water pump and thermostat are also critical cooling system components.

Temperature is controlled by the thermostat in the engine. If the engine needs cooling, the thermostat lets in more coolant. Engines that are working at the right temperature won't leak coolant.

The water pump forces coolant through the system. The engine drive belt is typically used to turn on the pump. This in turn spins the pump’s blades to push liquid through the system as needed by the engine. Seals and gaskets keep the coolant in place.

To prevent overheating, coolant is also essential.

When to Replace a Radiator?

Like any other truck part, a radiator needs replacement when faced with a malfunction. However, initially, you should look for the following signs.

• There is an overheating problem with your vehicle. One of the most common signs your radiator is failing is if your vehicle constantly overheats, especially under normal driving conditions. Engines are kept cool only by radiators. It is not necessarily a sign of a failing radiator when it overheats. The problem might be as simple as replacing the coolant or another, more minor issue.
• You are experiencing a coolant leak in your vehicle. Having a leak under your parked vehicle is evident by the presence of coolant (usually a yellow, green, or red liquid). There is no way to ignore a coolant leak. A leak should be addressed as soon as possible, regardless of whether it is in the radiator, the hose, or the engine block. Identifying the leak requires a pressure test.
• Your radiator is getting clogged with sludge. Radiator coolant should be yellow, green, or red in color. It's a sign of contaminant build-up in your radiator if the coolant turns rusty or oily at any time. Radiators are highly susceptible to contamination, and contaminants can significantly impact their performance. It can be caused by several issues, and you should consult a mechanic as soon as possible.
• If your radiator is constantly being filled with coolant or the "low coolant" light on your dashboard keeps coming on, you most likely have a leak. Whenever your vehicle requires coolant replenishment too frequently, it is best to consult a mechanic immediately. 

Is Fixing a Radiator Worth it?

Yes! Having an optimally-running radiator in your truck has numerous benefits to your truck’s health – and your own safety. Replacing a broken radiator ensures that the rest of your engine won’t break down in future years. It can also reduce engine corrosion, which will cause detrimental damage to the engine.

Tips on Saving on Radiator Replacement

There are multiple ways in which you can save on the cost of radiator replacement. The Top one of which would be replacing a radiator on your own. Below are a few more.

• Order it Online: Finding a reliable radiator supplier that is also affordable can help you a great deal. You get the exact radiator you are looking for right at your doorstep.
• Buy Aftermarket Radiators: Aftermarket radiators have a longer lifespan, better build quality and a faster cool-off. They are exactly like the radiator manufactured by your vehicle’s manufacturer. The only difference is that aftermarket radiators do not belong to the same brand as your vehicle, they are from an independent manufacturer.

Are Aftermarket Radiators Low in Quality?

It is false! Aftermarket radiators are often mistaken as low on quality. However, they are high performing and come with multiple benefits apart from being cost-effective. They are durable and have a longer life span. Additionally, they are built with equally good materials as your existing original radiator.

Another myth that follows is that these radiators are used. No. Aftermarket radiators are brand new radiators, manufactured at a certified factory and distributed ethically.

Conclusion

Whether your radiator is facing an overheating issue, clogging, or leaking. It is a sign that it requires a replacement. This will affect your driving experience too!

The answer to how much does it costs to replace a truck radiator varies. It is entirely dependent on the brand and the type of truck radiator you decide to choose.

if your radiator is facing a minor issue, it is critical that you just fix that problem rather than replacing the entire part.

Lastly, it is highly recommended that you visit a nearby or your regular workshop and have your radiator thoroughly checked. It is always better to prevent a problem before it occurs.