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Summary
  • Some of the best radiators in the market are the Replacement P1193, Motorcraft RAD-219, and CSF 3312 products.
  • If you want to save some money without compromising performance, we highly recommend getting a Replacement brand radiator.
  • The radiator is located in front of the engine and helps keep the engine cool.
  • The symptoms of a bad or failing radiator include engine overheating, a coolant leak in the radiator, and rust-colored coolant.
  • When you choose a new radiator, get the technical information about the vehicle and check if the old part has an engine oil cooler.

Given the crucial role of thecar radiator in protecting the engine, always get the best replacement part for a worn or broken unit. A good radiator will serve you and your vehicle well, extending your car’s lifespan and ensuring your driving experience remains an enjoyable one.

7 Best Radiator Replacements

Not all radiators are equal. Some perform better than others in specific circumstances. The capabilities of a radiator depend on factors like its size, materials, and tube diameters.

The materials used to construct the cooling core and tanks of a radiator can vary. Older designs in classic cars use copper-brass, and these radiators can last for many years.

automotive radiator
Located in front of the car’s engine, the radiator helps keep the engine cool.

Aftermarket replacement radiators are as durable as their OE counterparts but they are more affordable, which means you can get the same quality while saving money at the same time. Check out high-quality replacement radiators at CarParts.com today.

Newer radiators switched to aluminum. Its lighter weight and greater strength allows the manufacture of cooling tubes with thinner walls. Some radiator models feature a combination of an aluminum cooling core and plastic cooling tanks.

To help you select a suitable and effective replacement radiator, we identified 7 of the best products in the market. They are:

  • Replacement P1193 Radiator
  • Motorcraft RAD-219 Aluminum Core Plastic Tank
  • CSF 3312 Aluminum Core Plastic Tank Radiator
  • Crown 68004049AA Aluminum Core Plastic Tank Radiator
  • Valeo 732743 Aluminum Core Plastic Tank Radiator
  • Liland 1520AA3R Aluminum Tank Radiator
  • ACDelco 21806 Aluminum Core Plastic Tank Radiator
See also  6 Signs of a Bad Radiator

1. Replacement P1193 Radiator

Replacement designed the P1193 radiator to suit the unique cooling needs of the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Comanche. Thoroughly tested to resist leaks, this part comes with an unlimited-mileage warranty for one year to assure you that it will keep your Jeep’s engine cool no matter where you go.

Replacement p1193 radiator
Replacement designed the P1193 radiator to suit the unique cooling needs of the Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Comanche.
  • Core Material: Aluminum Core
  • Number of Rows: 1-Row Core
  • Tank Material: Plastic Tank
  • Automatic Transmission Cooler: With Transmission Cooler
  • Engine Oil Cooler: Without Engine Oil Cooler
  • Color/Finish: Factory Finish
  • Inlet Size: 1.25 in. Inlet
  • Outlet Size: 1.5 in. Outlet
  • Core Height: 31 in.
  • Core Thickness: 1 ¼ in.
  • Core Width: 10 ½ in.
  • Product Fit: Direct Fit
  • Warranty: 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warranty

Compatible with: 1991-2001 Jeep Cherokee, 1991-1992 Jeep Comanche

2. Motorcraft RAD-219 Aluminum Core Plastic Tank

Motorcraft produces original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement products for radiators and other car parts in Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. It designed the RAD-129 radiator to meet the particular needs of the popular Ford Mustang model.

aftermarket radiator by motorcraft
The Motorcraft RAD 129 radiator is designed to meet the particular needs of the popular Ford Mustang model.
  • Core Material: Aluminum Core
  • Tank Material: Plastic Tank
  • Color/Finish: Factory Finish
  • Product Fit: Direct Fit
  • Warranty: 2-year or unlimited-mile Motorcraft limited warranty

Compatible with: 2015-2020 Ford Mustang Ecoboost

3. CSF 3312 Aluminum Core Plastic Tank Radiator

CSF is renowned for designing aftermarket radiators, condensers, and oil coolers for replacing old or worn stock parts in various cars. The CSF 3312 radiator shares the same material and design as its OEM counterpart, so you can install it into the engine compartment with little fuss.

aftermarket radiator by CSF
The CSF 3312 radiator shares the same material and design as its OEM counterpart, so you can install it into the engine compartment with little fuss.
  • Core Material: Aluminum Core
  • Number of Rows: 1-Row Core
  • Tank Material: Plastic Tank
  • Engine Oil Cooler: Without Engine Oil Cooler
  • Color/Finish: Factory Finish
  • Product Fit: Direct Fit
  • Warranty: 2-year CSF limited warranty

Compatible with: 2007-2011 Toyota Camry

4. Crown 68004049AA Aluminum Core Plastic Tank Radiator

Crown manufactures high-quality aluminum core radiators for Dodge and Jeep vehicles. The 68004049AA radiator enjoys compatibility with multiple vehicle models from those brands.

crown aluminum core plastic tank radiator
Crown manufactures high-quality aluminum core radiators for Dodge and Jeep vehicles.
  • Core Material: Aluminum Core
  • Number of Rows: 1-Row Core
  • Tank Material: Plastic Tank
  • Automatic Transmission Cooler: Without Transmission Cooler
  • Engine Oil Cooler: Without Engine Oil Cooler
  • Color/Finish: Black And Silver
  • Product Fit: Direct Fit
  • Warranty: 1 year or 12,000-mile Crown limited warranty

Compatible with: 2007-2009 Chrysler Sebring, 2007-2009 Dodge Caliber, 2007-2016 Jeep Compass, 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot, 2008-2010, 2011-2014 Dodge Avenger, 2017 Jeep Compass

See also  Radiator Fluid Colors Vary and How To Pick the Right One

5. Valeo 732743 Aluminum Core Plastic Tank Radiator

Need a radiator replacement for your Mercedes Benz vehicle? The Valeo 732743 radiator keeps the German-engineered engine running cool in the hottest zones without breaking the bank.

valeo aluminum core plastic tank radiator
The Valeo 732743 radiator keeps the Mercedes Benz engine running cool in the hottest zones without breaking the bank.
  • Core Material: Aluminum Core
  • Tank Material: Plastic Tank
  • Automatic Transmission Cooler: Same as stock
  • Color/Finish: Factory Finish
  • Product Fit: Direct Fit
  • Warranty: 1 year or 12,000-mile Valeo limited warranty

Compatible with: 2001-2005 Mercedes Benz C240, 2002 Mercedes Benz C230, 2002-2004 Mercedes Benz C32 AMG, 2003-2005 Mercedes Benz C230, 2003-2005 Mercedes Benz C240, 2006-2007 Mercedes Benz C280, 2006 Mercedes Benz C55 AMG, 2006 Mercedes Benz CLK55 AMG

6. Liland 1520AA3R Aluminum Tank Radiator

Liland draws upon 35 years of manufacturing aftermarket parts to design the 1520AA3R car radiator for GMC and Chevrolet vehicles. Fitted with a high-grade aluminum tank that lasts longer than plastic counterparts, this Liland radiator ensures optimal cooling for the mighty engine that powers your GMC or Chevy truck.

liland aluminum tank radiator
F Fitted with a high-grade aluminum tank that lasts longer than plastic counterparts, this Liland radiator ensures optimal cooling for the mighty engine that powers your GMC or Chevy truck.
  • Tank Material: Aluminum Tank
  • Automatic Transmission Cooler: Same as stock
  • Color/Finish: Polished Aluminum
  • Product Fit: Direct Fit
  • Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Compatible with: 1988-1998 Chevrolet C1500, 1988-1998 Chevrolet C2500, 1988-1998 Chevrolet C3500, 1991-1995 Chevrolet C3500HD, 1988-1998 Chevrolet K1500, 1988-1998 Chevrolet K2500, 1988-1992 Chevrolet K3500, 1988-1999 GMC C1500, 1988-2000 GMC C2500, 1988-2000 GMC C3500, 1991-1995 GMC C3500HD, 1988-1999 GMC K1500, 1988-2000 GMC K2500, 1988-2000 GMC K3500, 1988-1998 Chevrolet K3500

7. ACDelco 21806 Aluminum Core Plastic Tank Radiator

When you need to replace a part in your Buick or Chevrolet car, you usually turn to ACDelco. It engineered the ACDelco 21806 radiator to meet the specific needs of the Chevy Malibu and Buick Regal.

ACDelco aluminum core plastic tank radiator
When you need to replace a part in your Buick or Chevrolet car, you can usually turn to ACDelco.
  • Core Material: Aluminum Core
  • Tank Material: Plastic Tank
  • Color/Finish: Factory Finish
  • Product Fit: Direct Fit
  • Warranty: Lifetime AC Delco limited warranty

Compatible with: 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, 2014-2017 Buick Regal, 2014-2019 Chevrolet Impala, 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited

  • Replacement Radiator, 34×17 In. Core, With Engine Oil Cooler
  • Griffin Thermal Products ExactFit Series
  • AC Delco GM Original Equipment
  • Motorcraft OE replacement
  • Liland OE Replacement
  • Proform Slim-Fit
  • Valeo OE Replacement

Our Recommendation

Make sure to consult your owner’s manual to learn the exact specifications of your car’s radiator before you shop for a new part. If you’re looking to save some money without compromising performance, we highly recommend getting a Replacement brand radiator. Replacement radiators are equal to their OEM counterparts in terms of quality, so you can essentially restore your vehicle’s performance when it was running with your stock radiator but you won’t have to spend much because a Replacement radiator is available at a lower price compared with other brands of similar quality. And since it comes with a 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warranty, you’ll have that peace of mind on the road.

See also  How Hot Does a Radiator Get?

What Is a Radiator?

Located in front of the car’s engine, the radiator helps keep the engine cool. A pump moves hot coolant out of the engine and through the radiator’s pipes. The heat leaves the coolant and gets vented into the air. Having cooled off, the coolant returns to the engine to absorb heat anew.

replacing car radiator
A good radiator will extend your car’s lifespan and ensure your driving experience remains an enjoyable one.

When to Replace Your Car’s Radiator

A radiator usually lasts for years before it needs replacement. However, it can wear out or break down earlier than expected.

The symptoms of a bad or failing radiator include:

  • Engine overheating
  • Coolant leak in radiator
  • Rust-colored coolant instead of its normal color
  • Cabin heater not working properly
  • Low coolant level

Choosing a Radiator Replacement for Your Car

Selecting a replacement radiator is a straightforward process. First, gather the most important technical information about the vehicle. This is not limited to just the year, make, and model. Look for its engine size, transmission type, and trim level.

Also, check the old radiator for an engine oil cooler. If it has one, its replacement should also have one of these.

Armed with this knowledge, look for a radiator designed for the vehicle. The product should come from one of the reliable manufacturers listed above.

About The Authors
Written By Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Reviewed By Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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