The radiator of your vehicle is one of the most important components “under the hood” that ensure your car, truck or SUV is running properly so that you can get from point A to point B. While tuning up your car every few months or so can keep you from dealing with major car trouble in the future, there are some telltale signs that you will want to keep an eye out for when it comes to your radiator. One of the leading issues with the radiator isn’t the radiator itself, but rather the radiator hose and radiator hose clamps. More often than not it is the radiator hose that needs to be worked on and not that radiator.
Below you’ll find information about the five main signs or symptoms of a bad or failing radiator hose or radiator hose clamps. As always, if your car seems to be “acting funny” take it to the professionals so that they can properly diagnose what may be the cause of the issue.
Symptoms of a Failing Radiator Hose
Leaking Coolant
Probably the most obivous symptom of a faulty radiator hose or radiator hose clamp is if you find coolant (a greenish colored fluid) underneath your vehicle. Coolant can from the radiator hose if it is torn, ripped or worn out, from the radiator, the radiator drain cock or if the radiator hose clamp is not fastened correctly or it’s broken. If it’s the radiator hose or radiator hose clamp and you have experience, you can remedy this issue at home. If you are unsure how to change the radiator hose or clamp properly or if the leak is from the radiator, contact a professional mechanic near you to make sure it’s done the right way the first time.
Overheating
Apart from leaking coolant, having an engine that is overheating is an obvious sign that something is wrong with your radiator hose. You will usually be able to tell that your engine is overheating because the temperature gauge is in the red or hot zone. A faulting radiator hose is generally the most common reason your vehicle is overheating. If you have a new hose, the overheating could be due to the radiator hose clamp not being fasted correctly or if it is broken. If you need a new radiator hose clamp, call TKO Clamping Systems. Let them know the specifications of the size of your radiator hose and they will create a custom hose clamp that fits perfectly and showcases your own personal style.
Low Coolant
As a car or truck owner, it’s important to check the fluids of your vehicle from time to time. If it seems as if your coolant levels are constantly low or if the low coolant light flashes more often than not, it might be time to look for the cause of this issue. Check all hoses, hose clamps, and other areas where leaking coolant may be found.
Discoloration or Rust
If a leak has occurred from either the radiator hose or the radiator, you will usually be able to see signs of discoloration or rust especially if the leak is ongoing. When the hose or radiator leaks the coolant has a tendency to drip onto others areas around the engine, thus leading to discoloration and/or rust.
Broken or Collapsed Radiator Hose
If you check your vehicle to make sure that everything is running smoothyl and find a collapsed or broken radiator hose, it’s time to replace your hose. If your hose is collapsed it’s probably due to the fact that it has weakened over time and becoming soft. A collapsed hose can also be caused by a problem in the whole cooling system. If the hose has collapsed, check for any leaks by running hot, soapy water through the hose to see if it bubbles or leaks anywhere. If you can’t find any cause for the leak via the radiator hose, contact your local mechanic to inspect the issue further.
Once you have a cooling system that is working in tip-top shape, you’ll want to make sure that the radiator hose clamps you choose to keep this system running smoothly work well and for a long time. Visit TKO Clamping Systems to get a custom radiator hose fitted to your vehicle today.
