About radiator hoses

Radiator hoses do not need to be changed as often as they did in the past. But they still need to be inspected on a regular basis.

This page will discuss what you should look for and exactly how to visually inspect the rubber and plastic hoses on your automobile.

If you perform your own oil changes, this is a good opportunity to inspect all engine compartment hoses.

This would include any that carry engine coolant such as an upper or lower radiator hose as well as the heater lines and don't forget the water pump bypass.

Hoses that carry coolant are not only very important but are quite capable of ruining your day if one should blow while you're out on the road.

The video below does a great job of explaining how to check these as well as some fantastic tips on how to replace them.

The engine hose video takes you one step further and shows you some other rubber hoses that should be inspected from time to time.

These would include engine compartment hoses such as fuel lines and vacuum lines.

Radiator hoses video

Engine compartment service advice

Also note that some factory spring clamps are very hard to get to. Below on the left is a special tool from Mayhew I own that never fails. It is also very important to replace the coolant with the exact same type that was installed in the vehicle from the factory.

There are several different types on the market and it is not recommended that you mix these different kinds of engine coolant.

All-Data can provide step by step instructions for the repairs as well as fluid capacity and types of antifreeze to install.

I would also like to point out in the video they showed you that sometimes radiator hoses can be quite stubborn to release.

In the video they showed you using a screwdriver and razor blade. These will definitely work, but I do recommend that you wear a pair of safety gloves, when using this method to remove the old car parts.

They do make a special tool that works excellent for loosening the stuck parts. This device has a screwdriver handle and a 90degree Hook at the end.

This is easily inserted into the hose, and then you move it around the circumference to completely break loose the old part from its fitting.

I recommend that you take a look at my hand tool safety page to brush up on some safety tips that can prevent a trip to the emergency room to receive stitches.

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This was in my opinion a very good auto repair video. This section of the you fix cars website has been well received, and I am continuing to add videos on a regular basis. This next link takes you from radiator hoses to car repair videos



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