Hoses are vital to the operation of your engine. They send vital fluids from one part to another. There are several critical systems under your hood that use hoses, but one of the most important (and most susceptible to damage) is your coolant system.
Winter and summer are the two most common times for hose failure, for one single reason – temperature extremes.
How does hot weather affect car hoses?
Both extreme heat and extreme cold accelerate the wear and tear on your hoses by increasing the rate of expansion and contraction.
During the winter, accelerated wear occurs though rapid cooling and contraction.
During the summer, rapid heating and expansion can accelerate the wear and tear.
As hoses heat up, they expand. This can cause cracking, as well as weak spots that will eventually turn into bubbles or blisters. If your hoses are old and already worn, there’s a very good chance they’ll be damaged, and potentially even fail.
Proper maintenance and inspections are vital to ensuring that your hoses are able to withstand high heat during the summer months. Make sure your hoses are inspected at each service. They should be visibly free of cracks, bubbles or blisters, and should feel firm, not soft or “squishy.” They also shouldn’t feel “crackly.” Both of these are signs of impending failure.
