What is the Coolant Tube all about?

As your internal combustion engine functions to power your car, it generates high levels of heat. The optimal operating temperature of the engine is between 90 and 105 degrees Celsius or 195 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. The radiator of the car is the cooling system that works to cool the engine and regulate its temperature. It releases a coolant fluid that circulates through the coolant tubes, to and from the engine. The coolant tubes carry heated coolant from the engines to the radiator, which cools it. This cooled fluid circulates back to the engine.

Coolant tubes or hoses are of two kinds, the larger sizes that circulate coolant and the smaller sizes that run along the intake manifold. The intake manifold brings air into the engine so it mixes with the fuel to burn and release energy. Since coolant hoses or tubes work at fairly high temperatures, they are built with a thick, resilient rubber material. Even so, they wear out eventually and need to be replaced.

Keep in mind:

• If the coolant hoses lose their elasticity, they develop bulges and look swollen. In this state, they are susceptible to rupturing.
• Coolant hoses can become brittle and crack/break easily.
• If the coolant hoses become too soft, they will collapse and the coolant will not flow freely.

How it's done:

• One end of coolant tube is detached from coolant recovery bottle or cap.
• The other end of the coolant tube is detached from the radiator, generally at the radiator cap neck of the radiator.
• Any particular routing is noted if necessary.
• Condition of coolant/anti-freeze in the recovery bottle is inspected and recommendations are made as needed as to it needing to be cleaned out.
• The coolant tube is routed and reattached to the recovery bottle and radiator.

Our recommendation:

Every time you bring the car in for routine maintenance, (oil, tires, and brakes) have your mechanic check the coolant tubes and the levels of coolant fluid. It is advisable to have your coolant hoses replaced every four or five years, even if they show no signs of wearing out. You should also consider replacing them if you intend to go on a long road trip.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Coolant Tube?

• The gauge on the dashboards indicates rising temperature
• Radiator and coolant levels drop
• Pools of coolant collect under the car
• The engine bay shows rust-colored stains
• The car overheats and stalls

How important is this service?

If your car overheats, you risk damaging your engine or coming to a complete halt in the middle of traffic. It is essential that the coolant tubes remain functional. Have one of our expert mechanics check the clips that attach the coolant tubes to the engine and radiator to ensure that there is no leakage.