How do I know if a radiator hose is defective?

Radiator hoses play a vital role in a vehicle's cooling system. Their primary function is to carry coolant between the various engine components.

When the engine is running, it generates a lot of heat. If this heat is not dissipated, it can cause serious damage, even melting parts of the engine. Coolant circulates through the engine block, absorbs the heat, and then returns to the radiator, where the heat is released to the surrounding air. This cycle helps maintain the engine at a safe, optimum operating temperature.

Radiator hoses are the "veins" of this cooling system. They allow coolant to circulate freely and efficiently between the various parts of the cooling system. If a radiator hose breaks or becomes clogged, the coolant flow can be interrupted, causing the engine to overheat and potentially cause serious damage.

How long does a radiator hose last?

These hoses can withstand very high temperatures due to the coolant flowing through them and their proximity to the engine. They are also subjected to very high pressure. Even though they're designed to last a very long time, they sometimes fail. This is normal because these parts require regular maintenance. In fact, it's highly recommended that you have your radiator hoses checked every time you change your engine oil to make sure they're replaced before it's too late. If a hose breaks while you're driving, it can have serious consequences for the engine.

It's impossible to say exactly how long a radiator hose will last. They should last between 5 and 6 years, but some last longer, especially if you make sure to change the coolant regularly and maintain your vehicle properly.

How can you tell if your radiator hose is bad?

A bad radiator hose may look brittle and worn, making it easy to spot during a routine inspection. But because it's hidden under the hood, you may not realize it's already damaged. Here are some signs of a bad radiator hose to look out for:

Coolant leaks

If your car has a bad radiator hose, it's likely leaking coolant. You may immediately notice an odorous liquid leaking from under your car. It may be green, yellow, purple, or blue, depending on your vehicle. However, you may need to investigate further to make sure the leak is caused by a bad radiator hose.

Low coolant levels

Drivers should check vehicle fluids regularly. If your vehicle is running low on coolant, it could be a sign of a faulty radiator hose. Low coolant, which usually triggers your low coolant warning light, is one of the most common signs of a bad radiator hose. This can mean that your vehicle is losing coolant, possibly in your radiator hose.

Coolant crusting near the radiator hose

A leaking radiator hose can cause coolant crusting where the hose meets the radiator or engine. A swollen or spongy radiator hose may indicate the need for replacement.

Swollen or spongy radiator hose

If you look at your radiator hose and it's swollen or spongy, it may be time to replace it. A swollen or spongy radiator hose can burst while you're driving, so it's best to check hoses regularly to avoid mishaps.

Broken or worn radiator hose

Your radiator hose is constantly in contact with heat and coolant. Temperature changes can cause your radiator hose to wear out and break. It can develop holes, cracks, and even become brittle. When it's in bad shape, it's not good for your engine.

Engine overheating

If your cooling system doesn't dissipate heat properly, your engine can overheat. Faulty cooling system parts, such as a bad radiator hose, can lead to coolant leaks and overheating.

How to fix a radiator hose?

If your radiator hose is damaged, you can choose one of two different repair techniques:

• Cutting out the damaged section: Using a knife or wire cutter, you can cut out the damaged section and secure the other two sections of the hose with a hose clamp;
• Applying a patch: This will eliminate any leaks and strengthen the hose for future use.

These two methods will temporarily repair the radiator hose, but you'll need to replace it quickly. These temporary solutions can disintegrate at any time, affecting several parts of your car.

The main impact will be on the engine, as it will no longer be able to cool properly.