# Stress cracks on radiator **URL:** \ **Category:** The Show\ **Created:** [November 20, 2007, 2:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stress-cracks-on-radiator/7473 "2007-11-20T02:20:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![avo246](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/65b543/32.png) [@avo246](https://community.cartalk.com/u/avo246)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2007, 2:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stress-cracks-on-radiator/7473/1 "2007-11-20T02:20:33Z")
A mechanic recently told me that I had some stress cracks on my radiator, and that it needed to be replaced. What do you think about this advise? Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2007, 4:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stress-cracks-on-radiator/7473/2 "2007-11-22T16:31:26Z")
Well I can’t see the cracks, but if it is cracked, you do need to replace it, especially if it involves any kind of plastic parts. In general Metal radiators can be repaired. ---
**Author:** ![Craig58](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3da27b/32.png) [@Craig58](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Craig58)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2007, 4:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stress-cracks-on-radiator/7473/3 "2007-11-22T16:34:17Z")
I agree, if it has plastic tanks it will eventually crack and need to be replaced, It’s easier to replace it than wait for fail. ---
**Author:** ![Docnick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2007, 10:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stress-cracks-on-radiator/7473/4 "2007-11-22T22:18:54Z")
If it is cracked and not leaking, it will leak soon, especially with the wide temprerature swing cycles in winter. Whatever you do, don’t go on a trip. If the cracks are in the top tank you won’t likely damage the engine if a leak starts. Good L!uck