Why are radiator hoses overlooked during routine car inspection?
One reason radiator hoses are overlooked during a routine car inspection is that the hoses can be difficult to reach. The upper radiator hose runs from the radiator to the motor. You can usually see most of this hose. The lower radiator hose is harder to find.
What does upper and lower radiator hoses do?
The upper hose is primarily a pressure hose. It connects the engine to the radiator so that hot coolant may exit the engine and enter the radiator where it is cooled by ambient air flowing through the radiator. The engine coolant flows to the bottom of the radiator where the cooled coolant gets drawn back into the engine.
When do you need to replace a radiator hose?
If the hose looks worn, plan on replacing it. Some problems you may notice include cracks from wear and tear, bulging from oil exposure, and a glassy appearance from heat. The upper hose is much easier to check than the lower one. If it looks damaged, you don’t even need to bother checking the lower hose.
What’s the difference between the upper and lower radiators?
It cycles through the radiator, cooling as it goes. When it reaches the bottom, it moves out of the radiator through the lower hose and back into the engine to start the cycle once more. The upper and lower radiator hoses on your engine are not interchangeable.
The upper hose is primarily a pressure hose. It connects the engine to the radiator so that hot coolant may exit the engine and enter the radiator where it is cooled by ambient air flowing through the radiator. The engine coolant flows to the bottom of the radiator where the cooled coolant gets drawn back into the engine.
One reason radiator hoses are overlooked during a routine car inspection is that the hoses can be difficult to reach. The upper radiator hose runs from the radiator to the motor. You can usually see most of this hose. The lower radiator hose is harder to find.
If the hose looks worn, plan on replacing it. Some problems you may notice include cracks from wear and tear, bulging from oil exposure, and a glassy appearance from heat. The upper hose is much easier to check than the lower one. If it looks damaged, you don’t even need to bother checking the lower hose.
It cycles through the radiator, cooling as it goes. When it reaches the bottom, it moves out of the radiator through the lower hose and back into the engine to start the cycle once more. The upper and lower radiator hoses on your engine are not interchangeable.