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A radiator hose is an important part of your vehicle’s cooling system because it helps circulate coolant, keeping your engine operating at a safe temperature. These hoses are inexpensive parts and are easy to replace when they start to fail. In this post, we’ll show you how to diagnose a failing radiator hose before it leads to bigger problems.

What Is A Radiator Hose?

A radiator hose circulates coolant between the engine and the radiator. Most vehicles have two radiator hoses, an inlet hose that carries coolant to the engine and an outlet hose that carries coolant back to the radiator. As the coolant circulates, it absorbs heat from the engine and is cooled by the radiator, maintaining a safe operating temperature for the engine. The hot coolant then returns to the radiator, where it’s again cooled before returning to the engine.

How Long Do Radiator Hoses Last?

OEM radiator hoses should last around ten years or 100,000 miles, which is the recommended service interval for a coolant flush. They’re made of a durable rubber material (usually ethylene propylene) and as such are able to withstand exposure to high heat and chemicals. It’s a good idea to replace the radiator hoses when you do a coolant flush since you’re already draining and replacing the coolant.

If your vehicle is more than a couple of years old or has more than 50,000 miles on it, you should inspect the radiator hoses on a regular basis or before you take a trip out of town. A good rule of thumb is to inspect radiator hoses and accessory belts at each oil change.

How To Tell If A Radiator Hose Is Bad

A bad radiator hose will show signs of failing before it actually breaks. You may see cracking or bulging, especially near the clamps. It also may sag, lose its shape, or show signs of collapsing. Other signs of a bad radiator hose include:

• The hose feels soft when you squeeze it and doesn’t return to its original shape.
• There are signs of coolant leaking from the hose.
• The coolant level is low, and/or you need to add coolant on a regular basis.
• The engine overheats or runs hotter than normal.

If your vehicle is leaking coolant or overheats, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Overheating can cause serious damage to your engine, leading to expensive repairs. 

Suburban Auto Parts Has OEM Radiator Hoses 

If you need a radiator hose, Suburban Auto Parts is the place to buy it. Radiator hoses are tasked with a difficult job, and using high-quality OEM parts is highly recommended. With more than 70 years in business, you can trust all our OEM-level GM parts. All our parts come with a 12-month, unlimited-mile warranty. You can contact us online or give us a call at 888-287-6125.