No radiator in car?

Tiny
MISLED
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
  • 1.2L
  • 3 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 68,000 MILES
Hello, and sorry, this is a bit of a weird one

My VW polo failed it's MOT based on a few minors and a major which was an overheating issue.

I've owned the car for four years so I've had it through four MOTs. I've used a new garage and they are telling me there's no radiator on the car. In any realms of possibility is it possible I've been driving a car with no radiator long distances for four years and had no issues? Also would the other garage not have notice there wasn't one?

Looking for anyone's input, I'm kind of lost here. I can't argue back with them as a I don't know what I'm talking about.

Thanks
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 AT 11:43 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
Not possible at all that you have been driving it without a radiator. The engine would have burnt up withing a few minutes of operation from the lack of cooling. However if it is overheating, is it possible they said it needed a radiator? IE- a replacement radiator is what they think will stop the overheating because the current one is plugged or damaged.
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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 AT 12:05 PM

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