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Heater Bypass Tube Replacement Cost Estimate
Heater Bypass Tube Replacement Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your heater bypass tube replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your heater bypass tube replacement.
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John Davis
Expert Automotive Writer
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor
What's on this page?
- How much does it cost to replace a heater bypass tube?
- Where can I get my heater bypass tube replaced?
- How will a mechanic replace my heater bypass tube?
- What happens if I don’t replace a bad heater bypass tube?
- What is a heater bypass tube?
- When should I replace the heater bypass tube on my car?
- Is replacing a heater bypass tube yourself easy?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
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How much does it cost to replace a heater bypass tube?
You can expect an average total replacement cost of $65-$100+ for a heater. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.
How long does it take to replace a heater bypass tube? In general, it takes around 1-1.5 hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement.
How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
See fair price estimates for popular cars
What parts do I need for my heater bypass tube replacement and how much do those parts cost?
You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for precise parts, but here’s the main thing you need:
- Heater bypass tube: The heater bypass tube is the main part needed in the replacement. It allows coolant to bypass the heater core, redirecting the flow in the cooling system. On its own, it costs anywhere from $10 to $ 25.
- Hose clamps: You may need new hose clamps to secure the bypass tube in place. New hose clamps can cost anywhere from $5 to $20.
- Coolant: It's important to have enough coolant on hand to refill the cooling system after the bypass tube replacement. On average, coolant costs between $10 and $25.
You can purchase heater bypass tube parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, or opt for online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto. Three of our top recommended brands for heater bypass tube parts are Dorman, ACDelco, and Gates. However, keep in mind that the best parts for your heater bypass tube replacement will vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model.
Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket heater bypass tube?
When choosing between OEM or aftermarket options for a new heater bypass tube, it might be best to go the OEM route. While OEM units might be pricier, they typically last longer and offer more reliability compared to their cheaper aftermarket parts.
Where can I buy a heater bypass tube replacement?
You can find heater bypass tubes at body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, or from online sources like Amazon and RockAuto.
But before you purchase parts, check your owner’s manual to make sure the part you’re purchasing is compatible with your vehicle.
Where can I get my heater bypass tube replaced?
It can be hard to find a trustworthy auto shop—especially if this is your first time taking your car in for repairs. Jerry's
GarageGuard™
helps make the process less stressful by comparing prices from over 2,500 reputable auto repair shops across the US.Jerry's GarageGuard™ uses the actual hourly labor rates from local shops to give you fair price estimates and will let you know if you need to account for extras, such as diagnostic fees. You’ll also see reviews from real customers so that you’ll feel confident choosing the best shop.
Check out some of our vetted shops mentioned below and download the app to compare quotes for automotive repairs in your area.
154 Reviews
61 Auto Center
1226 Centre Ave, Reading, PA
Heater Bypass Tube Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$44
(Parts - $31, Labor - $13)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$70138 Reviews
Dunn Tire - Downtown #35
120 Broadway, Buffalo, NY
Heater Bypass Tube Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$56
(Parts - $31, Labor - $25)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$109.99186 Reviews
Oak Street Station
2403 US HWY 18 INWOOD, Inwood, IA
Heater Bypass Tube Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$52
(Parts - $31, Labor - $21)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$30140 Reviews
Zipin Out Auto Service
38472 Cedar Blvd,, Newark, CA
Heater Bypass Tube Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$59
(Parts - $31, Labor - $28)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$140How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.
How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.
How will a mechanic replace my heater bypass tube?
When a mechanic replaces a heater bypass tube, they will normally follow these steps:
- Open the hood and drain the coolant
- Disconnect the two heater lines from the heater core
- Install the new heater bypass tube
- Refill the coolant and start the car
- Verify the repair and test the new heater bypass tube for coolant leaks
Keep in mind: This is only one potential service if your car is having problems with its cooling system. Your mechanic will determine the extent of the issue and necessary repairs before performing the service.
What happens if I don’t replace a bad heater bypass tube?
If your car heater bypass tube has a leak or other type of malfunction, it might not be able to help maintain your engine’s temperature. This can seriously affect your vehicle’s performance and cause costly repairs due to an overheated engine.
What is a heater bypass tube?
A car heater bypass tube helps your car’s cooling system manage your engine’s temperature by circumventing the engine’s thermostat. When you start your car, the bypass tube delivers a bit of heat to the engine. Then, it circulates a controlled amount of coolant through the engine to keep the temperature in check and protect your engine.
When should I replace the heater bypass tube on my car?
A mechanic will decide to replace your car heater bypass tube if it’s leaking engine coolant or malfunctioning in other ways. A faulty heater bypass tube can allow your engine to overheat and you could be looking at more serious damage and repairs in the future.
Signs of a faulty heater bypass tube include:
- A sweet, warm smell (this is the smell of coolant)
- A puddle of greenish-yellow liquid under your vehicle
- The engine running hot
Important note: If you smell coolant or find it underneath your vehicle, take your car for immediate servicing.
How often do you need to replace a heater bypass tube?
A heater bypass tube is supposed to last the car’s lifetime. That said, natural wear and tear can damage the bypass tube’s metal material over time. If you start to notice any concerning symptoms like a strong odor of engine coolant from under the hood, check in with a mechanic as soon as possible.
Is replacing a heater bypass tube yourself easy?
Issues with your heater bypass tube are complex and best left to certified mechanics for diagnosis, repair, and replacement. Unless you have years of mechanical experience in auto repair, it’s not recommended to take on the project of replacing the heater bypass tube on your own.
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FAQs
How long does it take to change a bypass tube?
This service typically takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
Can you drive with a heater hose leak?
A leaking heater hose means that your car will be losing coolant, which will result in the engine overheating. Take your car to an auto repair shop immediately.
Meet Our Experts
John Davis
Car Expert
Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
Jessica Barrett
Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
Kathleen Flear
Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.