Mobile Cooling System Repairs Reading — Radiator, Thermostat & Coolant

An overheating engine is a serious problem that can cause expensive damage if not addressed immediately. Most cooling system components can be diagnosed and repaired by a mobile mechanic at your home or workplace without the need for a garage visit.

Cooling System Components We Repair and Replace

Thermostat

The thermostat controls coolant flow to the radiator based on engine temperature. A stuck-closed thermostat blocks all coolant flow, causing rapid overheating. A stuck-open thermostat means the engine never reaches operating temperature — leading to poor fuel economy, increased wear and a cold heater.

Thermostat replacement takes 60–90 minutes on most vehicles. From £75 including parts.

Radiator

The radiator dissipates heat from the coolant. Plastic-tank aluminium-core radiators (standard on modern vehicles) crack at the tank-to-core joint, particularly in the top and bottom tanks. Repairs are not permanent — replacement is the correct fix.

Radiator replacement from £150 including parts. Most accessible vehicles take 2–3 hours.

Water Pump

The water pump circulates coolant around the engine. Water pump failure causes coolant loss (from the weep hole), overheating and sometimes a whining noise from the front of the engine. We replace the timing belt at the same time as the water pump where it is the driving component. Water pump replacement from £120 including parts.

Coolant Hoses

Upper and lower radiator hoses, heater hoses and smaller coolant pipes can split, perish or crack. A failed hose leads to immediate coolant loss and rapid overheating. Hose replacement from £55 including parts.

Coolant Flush

Degraded coolant should be flushed and replaced with fresh antifreeze at the correct concentration. We test the antifreeze concentration (freeze protection to at least -25°C for UK conditions) and pH. Coolant flush and refill from £65.

Expansion Tank

The coolant expansion tank can crack over time. Cracks are sometimes hairline and only visible under pressure. From £65 including parts.

Radiator Cap

A faulty radiator cap fails to maintain the correct system pressure, causing coolant to boil at a lower temperature and escape from the overflow. From £20 fitted.

What to Do if Your Car Overheats

Pull over and stop the engine immediately
Do not open the bonnet or touch the coolant cap until the engine has cooled for at least 30 minutes
Check the coolant level in the expansion tank once cool — use the marks on the tank side
Call us on 07305 523333 — we will advise whether the car is safe to move or should be inspected where it is

Book Cooling System Repairs

Call 07305 523333 with the symptoms — temperature gauge behaviour, any warning lights, visible leaks — and we will give a guide price over the phone. We cover Reading and all Berkshire towns.

Areas we cover

Frequently asked questions

What causes a car to overheat? +

The most common causes are low coolant level (leak somewhere in the system), a failed thermostat stuck closed, a blocked or damaged radiator, a failed water pump, a collapsed coolant hose, or a head gasket failure allowing combustion gases into the cooling system.

Can I drive with an overheating engine? +

No. Stop the engine as soon as the temperature gauge reaches the red zone. Continuing to drive an overheating engine can warp the cylinder head, blow the head gasket or seize the engine. Allow the engine to cool completely before opening the bonnet or touching the coolant cap.

How often should coolant be changed? +

Most manufacturers recommend a coolant flush every 3–5 years or 30,000–60,000 miles. Degraded coolant loses its anti-corrosion properties and pH balance, leading to corrosion inside the cooling system. We test coolant condition and concentration as part of every full service.