Introduction
The automobile coolant prevents the engine from heating up, and ensures it runs at normal temperatures. The radiator holds the coolant, circulates it to the parts of the engine that need cooling, receives it back, removes the heat, and sends the coolant back to the engine, repeating the process in a continuous loop. The cooling fans and finds of the radiator dissipates the heat, before sending the coolant back to the engine.
The radiator hose transfers the coolant to and from the engine. The coolant goes from the radiator to the engine through the lower hose, and the hot coolant from the engine comes back to the radiator through the upper hose.
Characteristics
Radiator hoses, like all hoses, consist of an inner rubber tube, which is reinforced for strength, and an outer cover. These hoses are robust, being designed for high burst strengths, of five to six times the working pressure of the cooling system. Many hoses come moulded for extra strength. Nevertheless, all models and variants weaken over time. It remains vulnerable to leaks, and can even completely collapse, if not replaced on time.
Maintenance
The radiator hose performs a critical function of keeping the engines running at normal temperature. Any leaks or damage to the hose can result in the engine overheating and suffering from major damage. In the extreme case, the engine may even burst, resulting in a major accident. As such, it is expedient to inspect the hose at regular intervals.
Replace the hose immediately, on finding the following symptoms, on inspection:
* It is swollen, or has developed cracks.
* It feels hard, spongy, or soft, on squeezing, when the engine is still warm, after a drive.
The upper hose is easy to find and replace. However, to locate the lower hose, one needs to get under the car and look for a small diameter hose emancipating from the radiator and leading to the heat wall.
It is a good idea to replace the hose clamp as well, along with the radiator hose.
Proper care of the hose ensures the automobile runs in optimal condition, and preserves the health of the engine.