Radiators used to be made entirely of metal and they regularly outlasted the life of the vehicle. Now, in most modern vehicles, the radiator is made mostly of plastic.
In today’s vehicles, a properly maintained radiator will usually last between 8 and 10 years. There are a couple of things you can do to help your radiator last as long as possible:
Proper Levels Of CoolantThe first thing to do is to keep an eye on your vehicle’s coolant level. The engine should always have the proper level of coolant in it before you drive. Coolant can escape when the radiator overheats or through leaks in the cooling system. If the level drops too low, the liquid will overheat and boil over, causing damage to the radiator and the engine itself. If it is during the hot Arizona months or you are about to drive on a long trip, it is even more important to maintain the proper level of coolant. Both of these scenarios make your vehicle more prone to overheating.
If you notice the coolant level is lower than it should be, it is easy to add more. First, make sure the engine is completely cool. Many modern cars have a separate coolant reservoir you can pour the coolant into using a funnel. If not, the liquid will be poured directly into the top of the radiator after removing the cap. Make sure to never open the radiator cap if the engine is still hot. Keep in mind that the liquid you want to be adding to the system is half water and half coolant. You can find a pre-mixed coolant at an auto parts store or you can mix it yourself.
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will have specific instructions for how to top off the coolant in your vehicle.