A leaking or clogged radiator causes overheating that quickly escalates to head gasket damage. For Mountlake Terrace drivers on the I-5 corridor and 236th commute routes, Tom's B&M Auto diagnoses cooling system problems completely — pressure test, block test for combustion gas, and visual inspection — before recommending radiator replacement. We stock OEM-specification radiators for all common makes.
Cooling system pressure test to locate external leaks. Block test to check for combustion gas in coolant (head gasket leak). Visual inspection of hoses, clamps, coolant reservoir, and thermostat housing.
OEM-specification radiator installed. New upper and lower hoses installed if original equipment. Thermostat replacement recommended and quoted at same time — the system is already drained.
System refilled with manufacturer-specified coolant. Air bled. Road test with temperature gauge monitoring. Most radiator replacements completed same day.
Overheating is the most damaging thing that can happen to a modern engine. A warped cylinder head requires machining or replacement — turning a $500 radiator job into a $2,500 repair. If your temperature gauge is moving toward H, pull over immediately and call us. Driving through it costs 5 times more to fix.
We replace rather than repair plastic-tank aluminum radiators — the standard since 2000. The plastic end tanks crack at the crimped seam and can't be reliably resealed. A new OEM-spec radiator is the correct repair, and for most vehicles it's $250-$500 total including labor.
We test for combustion gas in coolant to rule out head gasket before radiator replacement.
Correct radiator for your vehicle — not a universal fit unit with adapter brackets.
Most radiator replacements completed same day. Call if overheating.
Radiator repair service includes cooling system pressure test, block test for combustion gas, visual inspection of hoses and clamps, OEM-specification radiator installation, new hoses where original equipment, thermostat replacement (recommended), and manufacturer-specified coolant refill.
From Tom's B&M Auto - serving Mountlake Terrace and the greater Seattle metro.
Tom's B&M Auto · 17820 Hwy 99, Suite E, Lynnwood · Serving greater Seattle
Also serving: Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Mukilteo, Kenmore, Alderwood Manor