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Repace Hoses Before They Blow

Every fall, many car owners change or replenish the engine's anti-freeze, but are reluctant to replace the coolant-carrying hoses.

Engineers at The Gates Corporation offer the following considerations in favor of inspecting hoses annually and changing them every four years:

Eliminate inconvenience. A coolant hose on the verge of failure may not burst in the driveway or in the repair shop. Most often, hoses fail on the road, whether on a busy street or on a lonely country highway. The cost of a tow usually exceeds the cost of a hose replacement.

Avoid more serious damage. Older cast iron engines could withstand overheating far better than today's mostly aluminum engines. An overheated engine can quickly warp engine head gaskets, which are considerably more expensive to replace than a couple of hoses.

Replace Coolant Hoses. Several hoses are disconnected or removed whenever service is performed on cooling system components such as the radiator, water pump, heater core and thermostat. It's more opportune and less expensive to replace these coolant hoses at this time.

Due to the cost and inconvenience caused by hose failure while driving, Gates says preventive maintenance is the key to making sure your car is ready for winter motoring.

Top Ten Causes Of Coolant Hose Failure:

1. Electrochemical degradation resulting in a blown hose or pinhole leaks.
2. Thermostat failure & overheated engine.
3. Water pump failure & overheated engine.
4. Low coolant & overheated engine.
5. Stop and go driving.
6. Excessive engine vibration.
7. Internal/external oil contamination.
8. Improper clamping.
9. Nicks, cuts and abrasion.
10. Ozone damage.

Change hoses every four years, says Gates Corporation.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign, educating consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance and repair. For more information visit www.carcare.org.