Could I have prevented a broken radiator?

My 98 honda civic started running really hot Tuesday. At first I thought it was just when the a/c was on, but yesterday it almost over-heated even with it off. Today, I drove it a few blocks to the car mechanic, stopping the engine a couple times along the way to keep it from over-heating. Today, the mechanic says it's a broken radiator and will cost over $700 to repair.s there anything I could've done to prevent this? It does have alot of miles on it. I

Antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitors. If your coolant had old antifreeze or you had been topping up with plain water corrosion will occur. So yes, with thoughtful maintenance you could have preserved your radiator,.

No it's 1998 honda. The plastic radiator top tank more then likely degraded and cracked. My friends radiator shop does a lot of tank replacements. He charges less than half of what you're quoted, if it needs a complete radiator and he also does the thermostat and cap as a precaution., Your shop must be doing a lot more than a radiator, maybe a water pump.new fan and all hoses? New radiators for Civic run under $100, here in AZ.