Radiator has a rusty area

[Karen&co]

Hello, hubby was looking behind the grill yesterday and noticed the radiator has a rusty area in the bottom drivers side corner. We're heading to Spain in October for a few weeks and he's thinking we need to change the radiator and all pipe work.

Is this a good idea as it sounds like it's going to be a bit pricey, although spending hours/days waiting for supplies to arrive whilst on holiday doesn't appeal!

The main question is are some radiators better than others?

Thank you

[Mr Bean]

I may be wrong but:
I thought radiators were constructed from non-ferrous metals like brass or more recently, a combination of non-ferrous metals like aluminium and plastic components.
Sometimes rain water or coolant can splash from other areas which may have rust and dry rapidly onto a warm/hot radiator giving the appearance of rust on said radiator.
I would advise checking this out before changing a major part/system close to a long trip.
As for the origin of a new radiator There will be other members offering their own particular preferences. Since being told that my new TIG welder was
Bound to be good as it was German I was surprised to find when it failed that it was made in Poland. Maybe...
Good luck anyway.

[Karen&co]

I may be wrong but:
I thought radiators were constructed from non-ferrous metals like brass or more recently, a combination of non-ferrous metals like aluminium and plastic components.
Sometimes rain water or coolant can splash from other areas which may have rust and dry rapidly onto a warm/hot radiator giving the appearance of rust on said radiator.
.

Thank you Hubby thinks it's leaking near the rust? There seems to be a small leak in that area which is why we wondered about changing the whole kit and caboodle.