A radiator helps to keep the engine of your car cool. It takes the heated coolant that has just passed through your automobile's engine and runs it through fins. These fins help to take the heat and push it outside of your car. The cooled off coolant then passes through the engine again, completing a cycle that is designed to keep as much heat as possible off your engine so it does not overheat.


If your radiator is cracked or broken, you may be looking to purchase one. Buying a used radiator can be a great way to save some money, but only if you know what to look for. Here are a few things to look for when you are shopping for a used radiator.

Look for Signs of Corrosion or Stripped Paint

Anytime you are considering buying a used radiator, you want to be on the lookout for any signs of corrosion or stripped paint. Coolant can cause paint to strip if it sits on the radiator for a week or longer, and can also corrode metal parts. If you see corrosion or stripped paint on a radiator, the part has leaked in the past. Do not buy it!


If the radiator does not have any stripped paint and is not corroded, this is a good sign that the part has never leaked coolant, and it might be in decent shape.

Carefully Inspect the Cooling Cores

Another thing to look for when you are buying a used radiator is the condition of the cooling cores, also known as the cooling fins. The fins should all be straight and evenly spaced. They should not be bent, broken, or dented. They can become bent, broken or dented due to an automobile accident or age. The fins help to pull heat outside, so having them in great shape is important.

A Decent Warranty From the Seller

The last thing that you should look for when you are considering buying a used radiator is a decent warranty from the seller. A radiator is an automobile part that you cannot simply inspect to tell whether it works or not. You must put fluid inside the radiator to ensure it is leak-free, and it needs to be hooked up to your engine and water pump to ensure it operates correctly. Having a decent warranty from the seller gives you the opportunity to test the part out and ensure it is functional.


Here at Ace Auto Parts, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, we offer a wide selection of used automobile parts, including used radiators. All of our parts come with a warranty of at least 90 days, so you can feel confident that you are getting a quality part. If you are looking for a specific part, conduct a part search to see our current inventory of used automobile parts. If you need any assistance, please reach out to our team!