Blog>Cost Guides>Average coolant leak repair costs in the UK
Last updated: 7 March 2025
Average coolant leak repair costs in the UK
Do you suspect your car is leaking coolant, but are unsure about repair costs or who to call? Keep reading. Our coolant leak repair cost guide takes you through everything you need to know to get your car back up and running.
Fast Facts
Driving with a coolant leak is not recommended, as it can lead to overheating and serious engine damage
The cost to repair a coolant leak in the UK varies depending on the cause
Minor fixes, such as replacing a hose, can cost around £50 and £200
However, for major repair work, like replacing a head gasket, prepare to spend anywhere between £700 to £2,000
Find a vetted and reviewed mechanic through a professional directory (like Checkatrade!) or ask friends or family for recommendations
Engine coolant is vital to keep your car running safely. Made up of water and antifreeze chemicals, it travels through your car's engine via radiator hoses to help regulate the temperature.
Regularly checking your coolant is topped up should keep your engine ticking along nicely. However, coolant leaks do happen due to wear and tear or poor maintenance.
If ignored, leaks can cause considerable damage to your car, or worse, engine failure. That’s why, however minor a coolant leak might seem, you’ll want it seen to quickly by an experienced car mechanic.
Here, we run through the signs of an engine coolant leak and the repair cost. We also offer advice on finding the best mechanics for coolant leak repairs using our free search directory below.
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Average coolant leak repair costs in the UK
| Repair | 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 |
| Last updated: March 2025 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
The first thing to know about coolant leak repair costs is that the sooner you address the issue, the cheaper the repair will be.
Identifying your coolant leak early could be a simple, cheap fix. However, ignoring a coolant leak can result in more expensive repairs later down the line if the engine damage becomes severe.
That’s why costs to fix coolant leaks can vary greatly depending on the severity of the damage. So, while the average cost of a coolant leak repair starts as low as £50, costs can climb to as high as £2,000for more complex repairs.
Your vehicle's make, model and age also sway how much you’ll pay. That’s all up next.
Factors affecting coolant system repair cost
Regional price variations
It’s always handy to know a mechanic's average hourly rate. That way, you can judge whether the cost you are being quoted is fair.
Mechanic hourly rates can vary depending on where you are in the country. For instance:
The average hourly rate for a qualified mechanicis approximately £40
However, you'll pay an experienced mechanic £50 if you live in London or the southeast.
Standard vs premium brands
Some car owners are surprised to hear their car's make can impact how much the coolant system repairs will cost. For instance:
Standard brand (such as Ford)– Approximate costs start at £350
Premium brand (such as Audi)– Approximate costs start at £450
Breakdown of minor vs. major leaks
General wear and tear is more often than not linked to coolant leaks. However, a lack of servicing and poor maintenance also play their part.
How minor or major your coolant leak is all depends on the cause. Let's look at the most common repair jobs linked to fixing leaking coolant:
Small leak sealant
If you're lucky, it could just be a small leak that a sealant could repair.
DIY temporary sealants can provide a short-term fix for small coolant leaks. However, we always advise an experienced mechanic to inspect the coolant system to prevent long-term damage to the engine.
The cost for a mechanic to fix a small leak with sealant is approximately £60– a small price to pay to know your car's engine is operating safely again.
Repair or replacement of the radiator's hoses, connectors or caps
Thankfully, these are all simple and quick fixes and you'll pay around £50 and £200 for a mechanic to repair radiator hoses, connectors and caps.
This price includes any necessary component replacements and your mechanic's labour time.
Radiator replacement
If a damaged radiator is causing the leak, you're looking at paying roughly between £150 and £900.
This is considerably more because a mechanic must remove, replace and refit the radiator from the engine. This means your car will most likely be in the garage for an entire day.
Water pump repair
Coolant leaks can sometimes be caused by a worn water pump. This is common in older cars as water pumps work harder to distribute the coolant liquid around your engine.
Unfortunately, this is a more costly repair. Expect to pay around £250 to £700 to repair a water pump.
Head gasket repair
A head gasket is a vital component in your car's engine, working as a seal between the engine block and cylinder head. This prevents engine fluid from escaping and pressure losses.
This is one of the most expensive repairs for a leaking coolant issue. Prepare to spend anywhere between £700to£2,000 to repair or replace a head gasket
Are the costs stacking up more than you hoped? If your car is over ten years old, it might be time to consider investing in a new one. This will avoid more costly repairs later down the line.
Telltale signs of a coolant leak in a car
In most modern cars, the first warning sign of a coolant leak could be a fault light on your dashboard, signalling your coolant levels are low.
However, if you're unlucky, the first you could know about a coolant leak is when your car has overheated and you've broken down. A danger nobody wants to experience.
Let's look at the telltale signs of a coolant leak in a car so you can be one step ahead:
Amber warning light on car dashboard – This means your car coolant level is low, and you’ll need to top up the coolant
Red warning light on car dashboard – Your coolant is below the minimum level, and you’re at risk of overheating. Again, it’s time to top up the coolant. But if you’re on the road and it’s not possible to do so, you’ll need to pull in and call for help immediately
Coolant container empty – If you top up your coolant, only to find it needs filling again the next time you check, this is a warning sign of a significant leak
Puddles under the car – Not to be confused with an oil leak, coolant is usually pink, orange, green, or yellow fluid in colour
Overheating – You’ll first see a fault on your dashboard. Or steam/smoke coming from under the bonnet
Are you a new driver or have a new model of car and aren’t sure how much coolant your car needs? Always refer to the vehicle's manual for specific recommendations regarding the type of coolant to use.
Can you drive with a coolant leak?
Wondering if you can drive with a coolant leak? Curious to know how long you can drive before causing damage to your car's engine?
If you’ve just spotted a minor leak, driving to a nearby garage to have it repaired could be possible. That’s provided the coolant has been manually topped up before you head off, so there’s no risk of your car breaking down.
However, you’re asking for trouble if you attempt to drive a car with a significant coolant leak. Risks of ignoring a coolant leak include:
Overheating – A leak can cause the engine to overheat significantly, leading to potential engine failure
Costly repairs – Ignoring a coolant leak can damage the engine's radiator or water pump – both costly repair jobs
Safety concerns – An overheated engine can cause unexpected breakdowns while driving, putting you and others at risk.
How to fix a coolant leak
If you’re inexperienced, we always recommend asking an experienced mechanic to take a look. Not only will you have peace of mind that your car is operating safely again, but you’ll avoid more costly repairs.
However, if the leak is minor, and you know your way around a car engine, there’s no reason why you can’t attempt a temporary fix yourself.
Let’s run through the process:
DIY vs. professional repair:
Problem – A small engine coolant leak
Solution – Use radiator sealant on the areas where the leak is happening. However, be aware that sealants tend to shrink in colder winter temperatures, and the leak could return. Therefore, this is more of a temporary fix than a permanent solution.
When to call a mechanic – If using an over-the-counter sealant doesn’t fix the issue, the radiator might need to be removed for more extensive repair work, or replaced – both of which require the expertise of an experienced mechanic or garage.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Find a trusted mechanic for coolant leak repair
When it comes to finding a trusted mechanic for a coolant leak repair, it is often good to ask around first.
However, if that’s not possible, here are some simple steps you can take to make sure you’re hiring a reputable professional:
1. Get at least three quotes
Get at least three quotes from experienced mechanics who are local to you. That way, you can be sure you're getting the best tradesperson and price for the job.
2. Ask to see reviews of their work
A review from a previous customer is one of the best ways to check a tradesperson's professionalism.
At Checkatrade, we check all online reviews to ensure they're from real people and that trades meet our high standards.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
3. Check they are qualified
For added peace of mind, you can check that your mechanic is fully qualified and has the skills to fix your vehicle to a high standard.
You could go through the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) to check your mechanic's qualifications. They have a Professional Register where they list qualified mechanics.
Alternatively, use Checkatrade's free directory (more on that next!).
4. Use a professional directory (like us!)
Save time by using a professional directory (like Checkatrade!).
We're so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
To book a trusted mechanic near you through Checkatrade today, just enter your postcode below.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to fix a coolant leak in the UK?
The cost to fix a coolant leak in the UK varies depending on the repair needed. Minor fixes, such as replacing a hose, can cost around £50 and £200. However, for major repair work, like a head gasket repair, prepare to spend anywhere between £700to£2,000.
If your car is over ten years old, and the repair cost is stacking up, it might be time to consider investing in a new car to avoid more costly repairs later down the line.
How do I know if my car has a coolant leak?
Common signs of a coolant leak include:
Puddles of coolant under the car – Usually pink, orange, green, or yellow fluid
Overheating engine – You might see steam and smoke coming from under the bonnet
Amber or red warning light on your dashboard
What is the cheapest way to fix a coolant leak?
Temporary sealants can provide a short-term fix for small coolant leaks. However, we always advise hiring an experienced mechanic to inspect the coolant system to prevent long-term damage to the engine.
Does insurance cover coolant leak repairs?
Standard car insurance policies typically do not cover wear and tear issues like coolant leaks. However, some extended warranties or breakdown cover plans may help with repair costs, so it's always worth double-checking with your insurance provider.
How long does it take to repair a coolant leak?
Repair times all depend on the severity of the leak. Minor repairs, like replacing a radiator hose, may take an hour or two. Meanwhile, more complex fixes (such as radiator replacement) can take several hours or even a full day at the garage.
Can I drive with a coolant leak?
Driving with a coolant leak is not recommended, as it can lead to overheating and serious engine damage. If you notice a leak, top up your coolant (if safe to do so) and book a mechanic as soon as possible.
Where can I find a trusted mechanic for coolant leak repair?
Finding vetted and reviewed mechanics is easy with Checkatrade. Get a quote today by searching your postcode below.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
There's also plenty more information about finding a good mechanic and garage near you over on our hiring guide.
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