Coolant hoses carry coolant throughout the engine and should be made of heavy-duty rubber to withstand high temperatures. They should be checked regularly and replaced every four to five years. When replacing, it’s important to find the correct parts and hose clamps. Regularly checking and replacing hoses can prevent breakdowns.
The coolant hose is a critical part of the automotive engine. Because an internal combustion engine runs so hot, a fluid called coolant is needed to circulate throughout the engine. The coolant basically collects and carries the heat to the radiator, where the cooler outside air dissipates the heat. Therefore, the hose is needed in larger sizes to carry coolant in and out of the radiator, as well as smaller sizes along the intake manifold.
Whether big or small, coolant hoses are usually made from a thick, heavy-duty rubber hose, as it has to withstand quite high temperatures. Even so, they should be checked regularly and replaced every four to five years as a preventative measure. Signs that a coolant hose is at risk of bursting while driving include rubber that is too stiff or soft, bulges in the hose walls, or small surface cracks on the outside of the hose. However, there is often no indication that a hose is going weak, which is why most mechanics recommend that people replace their hoses every four to five years, or before driving the car cross-country.
When replacing a coolant hose, it’s important to make sure you find the right parts for the job. Although you can buy coolant hoses in bulk, most modern cars have molded hoses, meaning they are factory-formed to bend a certain way, or to make difficult 90-degree turns. Purchasing the correct hose will make the job of replacing it much easier.
Hose clamps are also needed any time you replace a coolant hose on your vehicle. Many cars come from the factory with wire hose clamps or other devices that are difficult to work with, so it is generally advisable to purchase new clamps. Hose clamps come in a variety of different sizes, so you’ll need to make sure you purchase the correct size to fit the hose you’re replacing.
The old coolant hose can be difficult to remove. Alternate heating and cooling causes rubber hoses to shrink, harden and almost appear to stick in place. You can loosen the old coolant hose by working the flat edge of a straight-head screwdriver under the hose and using it to break the seal to help pry the old hose out. The new hose should fit snug so you will need to snap it into place. Be sure to tighten the hose clamps so the new hose doesn’t leak.
A high percentage of breakdowns on the side of the road occur because a coolant hose has burst. Regularly checking your hoses and replacing them as necessary will help prevent failure and keep your car on the road. Checking the coolant level is important for the same reason.
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