The coolant hose is something that does not stand out. In fact, you probably do not think about it at all. You just assume it's doing his work there and if it's not, then you understand how an insignificant element in the form of a simple pipe can be so important in the end.

Coolant pipes are so important because they prevent the car engine from overheating. Your car's engine can literally be a stove and the process of burning gas in an internal combustion engine can reach 20,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) per gallon - enough to instantly heat up a 1,000 square foot space.

What are coolant hoses?
They are located on the upper and lower radiators, bypass and heating elements. They are made of durable synthetic rubber and are (of high quality) resistant to pressure, vibrations, chemicals and heat, allowing the liquid coolant to flow freely
between the engine and the radiator.

Reasons of coolant hose leaks

Unfortunately, even the best conduit wear out over time. Leakage in conduit is the most common consequence of this and they occur when cracks or abrasions form on the hose. Over time, cracks become larger, leading to leakage of coolant.

The following are the reasons why these leaks occur in the first place:

1. Curl
A bent hose does not necessarily indicate damage, but reduces the flow of coolant, causing the engine to overheat. In addition, prolonged bends, when subjected to constant pressure, sharp edges or surfaces, may loosen prematurely and ultimately lead to the appearance of small cracks, which over time become more and more.

What it looks like:
These are the usual wavy folds on different parts of the hose.

How to solve it:
Often, nods are made with poor quality hoses. Its advisable to invest in the best.

2. Insufficient clamping torque / damaged hose or connectors

These two reasons are much easier to see. A damaged hose or connector can be seen with the naked eye, as well as a weakened torque.

What it looks like:
Often, the number one indicator is the coolant drain points, and droplets are detected around the hose clamps and hose connections. Also note the presence of moisture and droplets around the hose itself.

How to solve it:
Simply tighten the tension clips. You can also choose clamps with a constant voltage that automatically tighten (or loosen) depending on how hot or cold the system is.

3. Electro-chemical Failure (ECD)
Electro-chemical degradation (ECD) occurs when various types of metals in the cooling system create an electrical charge. The refrigerant transfers this charge to different areas, creating electrical charges that cause cracks in the hose.

What it looks like:
ECD often starts two inches from the ends of the hose — next to the connectors. Just squeeze the ends of the hose and check if there is any space left. Another sign may be that the ends are softer with respect to the middle part.

How to solve it:
The easiest way is to replace the hose. However, the best thing you can do is buy ECD resistant hoses. This is the best way to prevent a problem.

You can also try using bead-like compounds to improve compaction. Cast iron and brass fittings blend well with rubber mixtures over time, which reduces the risk of hose leaks. If there are already small cracks, you can use sealants in syrup gels to catch these cracks.

4. Engine heating / low coolant level
Engine temperature is a common problem for most drivers. One of the main reasons why this happens may be due to an insufficient level of coolant.

What it looks like:
Heating may cause slight swelling of the hose, causing the surface to harden and crack.

How to solve it:
Choose tubes of better quality that can withstand thermal wear.

5. Problems with ozone
Ozone concentrations even increase when pollution increases. When this happens, the rubber compounds are exposed and small cracks provide a sufficient opening for the particles to penetrate and damage the hose.

What it looks like:
Often the cracks look like small parallel cracks in the lid, especially at the bends of the hose.

How to solve it:
Choose high quality ozone resistant hoses.

6. Motor abrasions
Abrasions usually occur when parts of a car engine rub against each other.

What it looks like:
Often you see that the hose cap is damaged or has friction marks on it.

How to solve it:
It is best to simply replace the hose and make sure that it does not come close to sharp (or even dull) surfaces. If you cannot avoid this, you can change the location of the conduit so that it does not come into contact with these objects. You can also cover the new hose with a protective sleeve at the point of contact, or simply pull the hose away by turning it over the nozzles.

[img]https://4.bp..com/-yAQpvIdjk8s/XGo3IpABjkI/AAAAAAAACGg/62mXXCF2XUkqKAbDJ-WQC0NEnO8hg3GcQCLcBGAs/s320/Radiator%2Bhose.jpg[/img]
Source:
http://www.eliancars.com/2019/02/top-6-reasons-coolant-hose-leaks-in.html

cc: (Lalasticlala , Marpol)