Radiators and cooling systems for all makes

Radiator replacement in Rotterdam

Is your engine running hot or leaking coolant? We find the leak first, whatever make you drive. Then you know whether the radiator needs replacing or whether a new hose or cap is enough. You hear the price in advance.

4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews | All makes | Price agreed in advance

The short answer

If your engine is running hot or you see coolant under the car, there is often a leak in the radiator, a hose or the water pump. Autobedrijf Willemsbrug at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde finds the leak with a pressure test and only replaces the radiator if that is needed. We do this for all makes.

You hear the price in advance, and we only do extra work once you agree. You book an appointment by phone on +31 10 479 00 00. You bring your car in Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am or on Saturday at 9.00 am.

Jump to: symptoms · causes and solutions · frequently asked questions · directions

Does this point to a radiator problem?

You often notice a leaking radiator or a cooling system that is not working properly through one or more of these signs:

  • The temperature gauge rises or the engine gets too hot
  • A puddle of coolant under the front of the car, often green, pink, blue or orange
  • You keep having to top up the coolant
  • Steam or a sweet smell under the bonnet
  • A warning light or message for the engine temperature
  • The cooling fan comes on very often, or not at all

Is the engine getting too hot? Stop in a safe place, switch off the engine and do not open the reservoir while the engine is hot. If the car cannot go any further, read what to do in case of a breakdown.

How the cooling system works

The engine gets hot when it runs. The water pump pumps coolant through the engine. The coolant absorbs the heat and then flows to the radiator at the front of the car. There, the airflow from driving or the cooling fan cools it down.

The thermostat controls how much coolant goes to the radiator. That keeps the engine at the right temperature. The expansion tank holds the coolant that expands when it gets warm.

If coolant leaks somewhere or one part does not work properly, the engine gets too hot. That is why we first find where the problem is before we replace anything.

What we do to your cooling system

  • Pressure test the cooling system to find the leak
  • Replace the radiator if it leaks or is blocked
  • Check the hoses, radiator cap and expansion tank and replace them if needed
  • Check the thermostat and the water pump and replace them if needed
  • Test the cooling fan
  • Fill with new coolant of the right type and bleed the system

Extra work is only done with your approval.

Symptom, possible cause and solution

This table shows which symptom often goes with which cause. We only know what is really going on once we have checked the car.

Cooling system problems and possible causes
Symptom Possible cause What we do
Puddle of coolant under the front of the car Leak in the radiator, for example from stone chips or rust, or a leaking hose Pressure test, find the leak, replace the radiator or hose
Coolant needs topping up regularly, no puddle visible Small leak that evaporates, the radiator cap, the water pump or a leak inside the engine Pressure test and check of cap, pump and hoses
Temperature gauge rises in traffic jams Cooling fan not working, outside of the radiator clogged with dirt or insects Test the fan, check the radiator
Temperature gauge rises at higher speeds Radiator blocked inside or thermostat stuck closed Check the flow and the thermostat
Temperature gauge stays low, heater lukewarm Thermostat stuck open Check the thermostat and replace it if needed
Steam or sweet smell under the bonnet Coolant leaks onto hot engine parts Find the leak with a pressure test
Brown or cloudy coolant Contamination, rust or the wrong coolant mixed in Flush the system and fill with new coolant
Oil in the coolant or white smoke from the exhaust Possibly a problem with the engine itself, such as the head gasket Inspection and a discussion with you about the options

The radiator

The radiator sits at the front of the car. It can start to leak from stone chips or age. Dirt and insects on the outside also make it cool less well. According to the ANWB, a radiator for an average car costs about € 150 and fitting takes one and a half to two hours. That is an indication and not a quote from us.

Water pump, thermostat and coolant

The water pump circulates the coolant. On many engines it is driven by the timing belt. The thermostat controls the temperature. If it stays open, the engine does not warm up and the heater blows cold. Coolant also protects against frost and rust. Do not mix different types without checking, and do not use tap water. We check the coolant level at every service. Your car’s maintenance schedule says when the coolant needs changing.

We work on all makes and models, including hybrid and electric cars. You are also welcome with a van or motorhome up to 3,500 kg.

Radiator or air con condenser?

At the front of the car there are often two coolers, one directly behind the other. The radiator cools the engine. The air con condenser cools the air con refrigerant. If green, pink, blue or orange fluid is leaking, it is usually the cooling system. Clear water under the car when the air con is on is normal. That is condensation. If the air con stops working, it may be the condenser.

After a collision or stone chip damage, we check both. Read more about air con condenser replacement. Call +31 10 479 00 00 for a check or a quote.

Frequently asked questions about the radiator

No need to click. All the answers are already open below.

How do I know if my radiator is leaking?

Look for a puddle of coolant under the front of the car. It is often green, pink, blue or orange and smells sweet. Other signs are a level that keeps dropping, a temperature gauge that rises or steam under the bonnet. Sometimes you see white or green crust on the radiator. We do a pressure test and then see where it is leaking.

Can I keep driving if my engine is getting too hot?

No. We advise against it. Stop in a safe place and switch off the engine. Driving on with an overheated engine can damage the head gasket or the engine itself. The repair then gets much more expensive. Do not open the reservoir while the engine is hot, because the coolant is under pressure. If the car cannot go any further, read what to do in case of a breakdown. Also read what to do when the engine overheats (in Dutch).

How much does it cost to replace a radiator?

That depends on your car. According to the ANWB, a radiator for an average car costs about € 150. On top of that come the labour and the new coolant. The ANWB puts new coolant at about € 60. That is an indication and not a quote from us. You hear the price in advance and we only start once you agree. You get a warranty on our repairs. With the quote you hear which warranty you get.

How long does a radiator replacement take?

According to the ANWB, fitting takes one and a half to two hours. On some cars the radiator is harder to reach and it takes longer. When you book, you hear how long it takes. You bring the car in Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am or on Saturday at 9.00 am.

Can a leaking radiator be repaired, or does it need replacing?

A modern radiator is usually made of aluminium with plastic tanks. Repairing it is then rarely worth it. We usually replace the radiator. If only a hose or the cap is leaking, we replace only that part.

Does a leak sealant in the coolant help?

No. We advise against it. According to the ANWB, such a product does not work in every case and can cause a blockage elsewhere in the cooling system, for example in the heater. The leak also remains. It is better to have the leak traced.

What does the water pump have to do with the timing belt?

The water pump circulates the coolant. On many engines the water pump is driven by the timing belt. That is why the water pump is often replaced together with the timing belt. You can recognise a worn water pump by coolant near the pump or by a whining or humming noise. Read more about water pump replacement.

Can I bring my van or motorhome too?

Yes. We also replace the engine radiator on vans and motorhomes. Large vans up to 3,500 kg, such as the Volkswagen Crafter and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, fit on our lifts.

Radiator replacement in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde

You will find us at Boterdiep 11 (3077 AW) in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) and exit 24 Rotterdam-Feijenoord on the A16. The A15 is five minutes’ drive away. There is free parking outside if there is space. The Stadion Feijenoord tram stop (line 3) is close by.

We are also easy to reach from Barendrecht, Ridderkerk, Capelle aan den IJssel, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht and Zwijndrecht. We work by appointment. You drop your car off Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am or on Saturday at 9.00 am. For a quick question or check you can walk in without an appointment.

Plan your route to Boterdiep 11 or see our contact page.

Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8.00 to 17.30
Saturday: 9.00 to 15.00
Sunday: closed
We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Engine too hot or losing coolant?

Call us with your registration number. You will hear the cost in advance and we only start once you agree.

Our score is 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews. Read what our customers say (in Dutch).

Also see our pages about the heater, the timing belt, car diagnostics (in Dutch) and servicing.

Nederlands? Deze pagina is er ook in het Nederlands.