do radiators break themselves??

What a turd, and $700 later. 18mth old radiator appears to have got a slow leak and "needs" replacing according to Toyota. Nicely out of warranty too, double turd. It ran out of water last night, didn't notice the temp guage, only the sound of cooking... caught it in time fortunately.

They tell me that the radiator repair place (who are good) said the problem was with the lower tank, not that I know really what that means. I have asked for a proper explanation, and the old radiator back too, I want to have a look.

The thing is, I went on a long drive a few weeks ago and I always check fluids etc prior to that stuff. So the leak can't be that slow, and something must have happened in the mean time. Just can't see what! Hasn't been in anything remotely rough recently.

Love to know anyones thoughts on what might have happened.

I might get the car back this afternoon, and might not, have to wait and see. If not, then at odds if missus and I should take the "station" car to the vic gathering this evening, it doesn't like going anywhere except a few km at a time. Triple turd!