How to Identify and Prevent Radiator Corrosion

GARY STEVENSON • 7 August 2024

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car mechanic working on car

Corrosion is a big problem for your radiator. Corrosion eats away at the metal, making holes for the coolant to leak out. And a leaky radiator can't do its job of keeping your engine from overheating, which is a major issue. A radiator with a coolant leak can’t properly regulate the engine's temperature. This puts your engine at risk of catastrophic overheating.


So, how do you know if your radiator is corroding? And what can you do to prevent radiator corrosion? The expert team at Applied Radiators has the answers. 


Different Types of Radiator Corrosion

Radiators can suffer from various types of corrosion. The most common forms are stress corrosion and pitting corrosion.

Stress corrosion occurs due to the constant stress and pressure within the radiator. This causes cracks and leaks. Pitting corrosion is caused by chemical reactions between the coolant and the metal surfaces of the radiator.


The Telltale Signs of Radiator Corrosion

Look out for discolouration around the radiator, which often indicates rust. Leaks are another common sign, as corroded areas can weaken and allow coolant to escape. If you notice your engine frequently overheats, this could be due to reduced radiator efficiency caused by corrosion.


How to Prevent Radiator Corrosion

  • Preventing radiator corrosion involves regular maintenance and using the right products. Always use the coolant recommended by the manufacturer, as it contains additives designed to prevent corrosion.
  • Ensure the system is adequately flushed during coolant changes or parts replacement. Proper flushing removes old coolant and any debris that could cause corrosion.
  • Don’t mix coolants. Always top up your coolant with the same pre-mix currently in the car to avoid chemical reactions that can lead to corrosion.
  • Regularly check for signs of overheating or leaking.
  • Keep up a good servicing schedule. Regular maintenance by professionals ensures that any potential issues are caught and addressed early.


Looking for radiator repair near you? Applied Radiators provides expert radiator repair services throughout the UK. Get in touch with us today. 

Vacancy - Workshop Operative

by John T. • 27 July 2026
We are on the lookout for a new staff member to join our workshop team, details as follows. Job Title: Workshop Operative Location: Hanley, Stoke-On-Trent. Salary: TBD. Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 08.30 to 17.00. Contract: Permanent (Following successful 3-month trial period). About Us: Applied Radiators are the UK’s largest independent cooling & heat transfer specialist. With a reputation for excellent customer service & a passion for the industries we serve, we’re looking for a motivated Workshop Operative to join our team. For more information on who we are and what we do, check out the rest of our website. The Role: As a Workshop Operative, you will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of our day-to-day workshop operations. Examples of what the role includes (but not be limited to and subject to experience / ongoing training) are: Housekeeping: Ensuring a safe & tidy working environment Communication: Liaising with other team members & managers. Diagnose: Cleaning & testing of Radiators, Intercoolers, Oil Coolers, etc. Repair: Soldering, Re-Coring, Re-Sealing, Welding. Assemble: Rebuilding of Oil Coolers, Radiators, Intercoolers. Quality: Ensure that we meet our expected quality standards. About You: Strong work ethic with a genuine desire to learn. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. A proactive attitude & ability to work independently or as part of a team. Whether you are someone who has previously worked within a workshop environment, or if you are looking to start your working career, we welcome applicants of all ages & experience as ongoing training will be provided for the right candidate. What We Offer: Competitive salary with opportunities for career progression. Overtime opportunities during exceptionally busy periods. Company Pension Scheme. A close-knit team environment. Ongoing training & development opportunities. How to Apply: If you’re reliable, enthusiastic, ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to our success, we’d like to hear from you! Please email your CV and a brief cover letter to office@appliedradiators.co.uk by 3 rd August 2026.  No Agencies please!

Lets Talk About Air Conditioning

by John Tams • 29 May 2026
With the advent of the warmer months, reliable vehicle air conditioning becomes essential to keep the driver cool & maintain comfort behind the wheel. Proper maintenance of the air-con system helps to avoid sudden breakdowns during peak heat. However, as with any vehicle component, parts do eventually fail & they will need replacing. When replacing worn out or failed components it is vital that the correct procedures are followed, ensuring that the system operates efficiently & effectively. When replacing the compressor, it is essential to follow the manufacturers guidelines as failure to do so will invalidate any warranty! So, with this in mind, let's discover more information about some of the components of an air conditioning system....

End of an Era

by John Tams • 1 April 2026
Gary & Cheryl's retirement