Compact engine compartments, air conditioning, turbocharging, and computer-controlled cooling fans, have contributed to a dramatic rise in the under-hood operating temperatures. To withstand these extreme temperatures, most modern coolant hoses are now made from ethylene propylene EPDM rubber, which can endure operating temperatures ranging from -40 to +275 degrees F.
Thanks to extremely crowded engine compartments, about 90 percent of all automotive hoses currently produced are curved or molded to fit specific applications of vehicles, including “branched” hoses with three or more molded outlets. Coolant hoses are also manufactured in universal-fit straight lengths that can withstand up to 100 psi working pressures encountered in many commercial applications.
When should you replace your radiator hose?
Even though automotive manufacturers do not provide any mileage intervals for radiator hose replacement, they should be changed periodically as part of an overall preventative maintenance plan. Some experts claim that hoses will last upwards of eight to ten years; others recommend every four to five years or 50,000 miles. Radiator hose life cycles really depends on proper coolant maintenance. If coolant is not flushed out of a vehicle regularly according to manufacturer guidelines, hose life cycles will shorten. Depleted coolant cannot prevent rust and corrosion, and electrochemical degradation eats at hoses and other coolant system parts.
What are the symptoms of a faulty radiator hose?
Any crackling sound when the radiator hose is squeezed under ambient temperatures (non-running) is a sign of degradation and the hose needs to be replaced. Seasonal extremes and high amounts of idling are also factors. Hoses are made from rubber, and over time, under the heat of the engine and the coolant passing through, they will harden and dry out. Lastly, long term contamination of the hose from leaking oil should be addressed with a new hose. Oil becomes acidic over time and will eat away at the rubber.
What can happen if the radiator hose is not replaced in a timely fashion?
If hoses are neglected, a series of problems may arise with the cooling and heating systems of the car, many which can lead to breakdown or failure of the engine. Most radiator hoses when they are old or hardened will begin to weep – slowly leak – coolant, particularly around the ends. Coolant loss will cause the engine to run hotter and inefficiently. Eventually, if this lost coolant is not replaced, the car will overheat to the point where the plastic parts start to melt and friction between moving metal parts overcomes oil lubrication. The engine will seize. Old hoses cannot hold pressure as well and as such are very prone to sudden failure.
Our expert technicians can perform a check on the hoses to ensure they are not faulty. The check pinpoints any problems that may occur with your hoses. If our technicians find a problem, they’ll let you know what they can do to fix it. We can curb any problem before it starts, so you won’t be left stranded. Contact Limberlost Automotive today for a check.