Cooling · Car
Radiator cost
By vehicle type
| Parts | Labour | Independent garage | Main dealer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City car | £85 – £185 | £90 – £225 | £175 – £410 | £245 – £665 |
| Family car, SUV | £110 – £260 | £90 – £225 | £200 – £485 | £275 – £760 |
| Premium | £185 – £480 | £90 – £225 | £275 – £705 | £360 – £1,045 |
Total incl. VAT · United Kingdom
By country
| Country | Hourly rate | Independent garage | Main dealer |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | €65 – €140 | €220 – €505 | €280 – €715 |
| Belgium | €60 – €125 | €210 – €500 | €270 – €685 |
| Switzerland | CHF 110 – CHF 210 | CHF 325 – CHF 755 | CHF 410 – CHF 1,015 |
| Germany | €80 – €190 | €240 – €580 | €320 – €840 |
| Austria | €85 – €185 | €250 – €600 | €330 – €835 |
| Spain | €45 – €90 | €185 – €435 | €225 – €580 |
| Italy | €40 – €80 | €180 – €425 | €220 – €555 |
| Portugal | €35 – €75 | €170 – €395 | €210 – €540 |
| Netherlands | €75 – €150 | €235 – €550 | €300 – €745 |
| United Kingdom | £60 – £170 | £200 – £485 | £275 – £760 |
Family car, SUV. Method
What changes the price
The hourly rate: it can double between a small-town independent and a city-centre dealer.
Parts quality: genuine, original-equipment brand or aftermarket.
Access: on some engines other parts must come off before the mechanic can reach the job.
Related problems
Frequently asked questions
How much does a radiator cost?
At an independent garage, expect £200 to £485, parts and labour included. Main dealer: £275 – £760.
Why is the dealer more expensive?
Dealer hourly rates run 40 to 60% higher on average, and genuine parts cost more than their original-equipment equivalents. Under EU rules, servicing outside the dealer network does not void the manufacturer warranty.
What is book time?
It is the reference time set for a given job. Garages bill that time even if they work faster. If a quote shows far more hours than book time, ask why. Book time: 1.5 – 2.5 h.
Data updated October 2026. Indicative estimate. MecaScan cannot see your vehicle: always have a diagnosis confirmed by a professional, and never work on brakes, steering or airbags without the skills.