3 Tips for Fixing a Radiator Hose
If you are driving down the road and your car begins to overheat as well as causing smoke to come out from under your hood, it is likely due to the radiator. The radiator hose is frequently the culprit. Here are some quick tips for a temporary fix that will get you safely home.
Wait for the Car to Cool
When you see smoke coming out from under your hood, you need to pull over right away. If you don't, your car could start overheating and lead to more serious problems. Once you pull over, turn off the engine and wait for the car to cool off completely. You are just cooling off your car to perform a temporary fix and get the hose secure enough to get you home. This requires having an engine and radiator that is cool to the touch.
Find the Problem Hose
Now that you have waited for the car to cool off, you can find the radiator hose that is giving you problems. There are most likely at least two radiator hoses with one located underneath the radiator and one that leads from the radiator to the engine or motor. The top hose going to the engine is often the culprit, though you should investigate both hoses thoroughly. You are looking for any signs of damage or wear and tear. In some cases, there is an obvious crack or hole in a hose, while it is more subtle in other cases.
If you can't find an actual hole, check the hoses for signs of wear, and that might be the one giving you problems. If they both look worn, it is best to replace both. You may also see liquid or smoke leaking out of one of the hoses to give you more indication as to which hose it is. Keep in mind if it is the lower radiator hose, the process is a bit more complex, and you should consider bringing your car to a mechanic.
Repair the Radiator Hose
Touch the problem hose when you have found it to make sure it is dry. Wipe away any signs of fluid that is leaking out of the hose. You are going to use tape for this repair job, so it must be completely dry. You want to cover the hole or cracks with a patch that will last long enough for you to replace the hose on your own or get your car to a mechanic to replace it. The best way to do this is with duct tape. Take a piece of duct tape and put it over the hole or cracked area, pressing down firmly. Do this with multiple pieces of tape, making sure they are larger than the hole itself so they cover every inch of damage. Now take a longer piece of tape to wrap all the way around the hose. Before you drive off, be sure that you have enough fluids or top them off if needed. For assistance, talk to a professional like Southside Auto Repair.