How to Check Radiator Hoses

Old radiator hoses or loose clamps can cause a coolant leak, which will lead to overheating and expensive repairs. Check hoses periodically and replace them if they're aged or leaking.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New Radiator Hoses
• Hose Clamps

1. 

   Find the hood release, usually located beneath the dash. Pull.

2. 

   Walk around the front of the car. Find the hood latch. The hood latch is usually located at the front edge of the hood. Depress the latch. While depressing the latch, lift and open the hood.

3. 

   Locate the radiator. It's always at the front of the car.

4. 

   Locate the radiator hoses. Two hoses should be attached to the radiator: an upper hose at the top and a lower hose at the bottom.

5. 

   With the engine cold, squeeze each hose. If the hose feels "crunchy" or brittle, it's old and needs replacing.

6. 

   Check the clamps at either end of both hoses. If the hose is damp or wet at the clamp, tighten or replace the clamp. The clamps should be tight enough that the hose cannot be turned or moved.

7. Check the hose for cracks, tears, or frayed ends. If you find any, replace the hose.

8. Close the hood.

Tips & Warnings

• Have the radiator hoses replaced when you're having a new water pump or radiator installed.
• If the car is hot or warm, wait until it cools down - if the hose bursts or slips, you can be scalded with hot water or antifreeze.

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on 11/22/2005 Also check radiator hoses for obvious bulging near the clamps on each end. This can indicate a hose that has been stressed and could be prone to premature failure.

on 11/22/2005 Before you remove a radiator cap, make sure you can squeeze the top radiator hose together wihout effort. This indicates there is not much pressure built up in your cooling system.