Radiator hoses are an important part of your car, and you’ll want to keep them in good condition. Here’s how to know if it’s time for a replacement.
Though many consider the oil pump the heart of an engine, its cooling system is, arguably, every bit as important, pumping coolant to and from the radiator. To get from Point A to Point B, engine coolant must pass through the vehicle’s radiator hoses. In general, many engines have two radiator hoses — an upper and a lower — and yes, those tubes are among the most important pieces of equipment you’ll find under the hood of a vehicle.
Given their importance to their function, it should go without saying that the failure of a radiator hose could lead to catastrophic damage to a vehicle’s engine. Though radiator hoses are designed to be durable and to withstand exceedingly high temperatures, they are generally also made of flexible rubbers so that they can be bent into formation in the construction of the engine, which means they may be a little more susceptible to deterioration over time.
Unfortunately, there’s no set timeframe as to how long a radiator hose can last, with estimates ranging between 5 and 15 years depending on various factors. The good news is that radiator hoses aren’t particularly expensive. While prices may vary based on your vehicle’s needs, you can currently pick up an ACDelco upper radiator hose on Amazon for as cheap as $12.50. The question then becomes how you know when it’s time to change your vehicle’s radiator hoses. Here are a few signs that your radiator hoses need to be replaced. An overheating engine may be the result of bad radiator hoses
An overheating engine could indeed indicate that it’s time to replace your radiator hoses, though there are any number of other reasons you might begin to see that dreaded smoke emanating from under the hood of your vehicle. It is, obviously, in your best interest to prevent your engine from overheating before you see smoke pouring out of the engine.
The best way to do that is to pay close attention to your vehicle’s dashboard when you’re on the road, as most have either a gauge or warning light that indicates when an engine is running hot. Likewise, engine noise, reduced power, and a burning smell are also indicators that your engine is overheating or on the verge of doing so. While the radiator hoses may not be the issue, you should, nonetheless, inspect them closely in the event of an overheating engine.Cracks and holes mean it’s time for a new radiator hose
There are some easy ways to tell if your radiator hoses are in need of replacing, though you’ll first need to know where to find them. It may vary by vehicle, but in general, engines have one radiator hose at the top connecting the radiator to the engine, and one at the bottom that connects the radiator to the water pump.
