How to Check Radiator and Coolant Hoses in a Car

Checking your car's radiator and coolant hoses is standard practice in any vehicle tune-up. Worn or neglected hoses prevent your engine from getting the essential fluids it needs to run properly. If you don't want to take your car to a garage, follow these basic steps to check your car's radiator and coolant hoses yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Flashlight
• Screwdriver
• Latex gloves
• Coolant

1. Locate the car's two radiator hoses. The top one takes the hot coolant away from the engine, while the one below returns the cooled liquid back to your engine. Sometimes the hoses are on the sides of the radiator.
2. Look for radiator and coolant hoses that are leaky, cracked, soft or mushy and/or rusted clamps.
3. Check for signs of dry rotting or splits in the hoses. This indicates the rubber has deteriorated.
4. Take hold of the radiator hose near the clamp. The hose should be tight and not rotate.
5. Verify there is the proper amount of tension in the belts. Apply pressure to the belt and watch for it to deflect approximately one-half inch.
6. Squeeze the radiator hoses to determine their sponginess. The hose should be somewhat firm. Upon squeezing, the hose should spring back. If the hose remains flat, chances are the inside of the hose is deteriorating.
7. Drain the radiator before changing any radiator or coolant hoses. Safely dispose of the drained liquid, replace the hoses and refill the radiator with new coolant.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear latex gloves when working with chemicals, such as coolant and anti-freeze.