How To Know Your Radiator Hose Is Broken

How To Know Your Radiator Hose Is Broken

Your radiator hose is an integral piece of your car’s cooling system. Without it, coolant will fail to reach the radiator, which will lead to a hot engine. Noticing problems with your radiator or cooling system before it causes bigger problems will save you a large sum of money that you’d have to spend on engine repairs if left alone. Learn how to know your radiator hose is broken so you’ll be ready when it’s time to take your car in for repair.

Leaked Coolant

The most obvious sign of a radiator hose issue is leaking coolant. Coolant can come in various vibrant colors that often look like a melted popsicle. It can smell sweet too, but don’t let that fool you. Coolant is extremely dangerous and should never be consumed, so keep children and pets away from coolant. If you see the colorful liquid leaking from your car, your radiator hose may be to blame. You may see it after leaving a parking spot, or your low coolant light will come on. If you refill the coolant and continue to see the low coolant light, you will need to replace your radiator hose.

Radiator Hose Is Visibly Limp

A radiator hose is visible if you look under the hood. It connects your radiator to the motor and should never be collapsed or feel weak to the touch. There is another radiator hose that connects the radiator to the heat wall of the car, and you can check it by getting under the vehicle, but it is harder to locate. From appearance and a squeeze test, you may notice holes or softness that indicate a bad radiator hose. You may also notice broken clamps or connectors that can cause coolant leaks. Make sure to wear gloves if you decide to squeeze the radiator hose.

Overheating Engine

The most severe tipoff that lets you know your radiator hose is broken is when the engine starts overheating. Since it’s the radiator’s job to prevent an overheating engine, this is an immediate sign that something is wrong with the radiator itself or the hose. If you don’t fix your overheating issue, the engine will fail and need to be replaced—which is a far more expensive job than fixing the radiator hose.

Get your radiator problem diagnosed by a professional immediately if you’ve checked the tubes and coolant to the best of your ability. Tooldom provides professional mechanics with the most optimal automotive tools and equipment for fixing a broken radiator hose.