Does replacing the radiator count as a major accident?
2 Answers
If it's just a simple replacement of the radiator, it does not qualify as a major accident. Here are some relevant details: 1. Radiator: The car radiator, also known as the cooler, is responsible for cooling the circulating water. To prevent the engine from overheating, components around the combustion chamber (such as the cylinder liner, cylinder head, valves, etc.) must be properly cooled. The car engine cooling system primarily uses water cooling, circulating water through the cylinder water passages to cool them. The heated water from the water passages is directed to the radiator, where it is cooled by air before returning to the water passages. The radiator serves both as a water reservoir and a cooling device. 2. Malfunction: Over time, the hoses of the engine radiator can deteriorate and become prone to cracking, allowing water to easily enter the radiator. If a hose ruptures while driving, the high-temperature water can spray out, forming large clouds of steam from under the engine hood. In such cases, you should immediately pull over to a safe location and take emergency measures to address the issue.
Replacing the radiator is generally not considered a major accident. As someone who frequently works on cars, I see it more as routine maintenance or minor issue resolution. Radiator damage is often caused by aging corrosion, leaks, or minor impacts resulting in slight damage. However, major accidents involve serious problems like frame deformation, airbag deployment, or engine displacement, which directly affect the vehicle's structural safety. If only the radiator has been replaced with no other damage records, the car is perfectly fine to keep driving. I recommend owners regularly check coolant levels and the cooling system to prevent blockages or corrosion. Radiator replacement itself is simple and inexpensive, not a big deal. But if an accident caused radiator damage along with bumper or frame damage, that's another story—such cases require careful inspection of repair reports to determine if it's a major accident. Overall, don't worry too much; radiator issues are common and easy to fix.
