Hi, thanks for your time. A month ago the temperature light flashed up on my Octavia 2002, noticed coolant was slightly below minimum, topped it to full with correct solution etc.

Light has flashed again, coolant is low again, checked radiator and have small leaks on bottom left and right at the front.

Is a new radiator necessary? If so, how much do these usually cost and are they easy to fit?

Thanks again

Are the leaks actually from the radiator, or is that just where the water's dripping from? It's most likely to be a loose hose or a perished O-ring somewhere...

I'm pretty sure it's radiator as damp patches are stemming from the corners at the bottom, both corners.

Then at the bottom there is enough water to see a small puddle. At both corners with a gap between them I'm pretty sure it's radiator.

Is this rare then? Or am I being dopey and just can't see that it could be a hose?

Thanks

No, it's not impossible - it justs never hurts to check that something doesn't just need tightening first! Radiators aren't massively expensive (a fair bit less than GBP100), and fitting a new one isn't particularly hard - just a hassle having to drain everything, take the front off the car, etc. etc. Looks like about half a day's work, according to Autodata...

Thanks, will get it checked before I do anything major.

Thanks again.