Radiator Hoses & Clamps

When you run your engine, it generates heat. The cooling system is in charge of managing this heat, preventing your engine from overheating. And the radiator is one of the most crucial elements of your cooling system.

Your radiator has two hoses:

• Inlet hose: Takes the hot engine coolant and passes it through the radiator
• Outlet hose: Transports the engine coolant (now at a lower temperature) from the radiator back to the engine

Radiator hoses are made of thick durable rubber, but can erode over time, or fail due to part defects. If they fail, your entire cooling system is at risk of failure.

You can, for a short period of time. However, you shouldn’t if you can avoid it. The longer you run your car with a damaged radiator hose, the longer your engine is at risk of costly or irreversible damage.

Maintaining your vehicle’s cooling system by regularly changing the coolant and flushing the cooling system will prolong the life of your coolant hoses. Have your car checked by a cooling specialist annually to ensure any damaged or worn out parts get replaced before they cause problems.

If the coolant hose is collapsed, broken, swollen, cracked, soft or leaking, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Never drive the vehicle if you suspect a coolant leak, as this can lead to engine overheating which can cause expensive damage.

If you have the mechanical knowledge to change the coolant hose, you can change it yourself. Never attempt work on the cooling system while the car is hot, as there is a risk of being burnt by the hot coolant. A Natrad technician can advise you on the coolant hose and coolant hose lamps suitable for your vehicle. If you aren’t sure, a qualified Natrad technician can change your cooling hose and clamps.

Natrad stores can supply coolant for all popular passenger vehicles, as well as for commercial and heavy-duty vehicles. Coolant must be drained to replace the coolant hoses, and a Natrad technician will flush and refill your car with new coolant when they replace a coolant hose and hose clamp.