Don?t Be Hosed (Radiator Hose Replacement)
March 8, 2026
If you are like most drivers, you don’t worry too much about what shape your radiator hoses are in. But they are a vital part of your coolant system, helping carry engine coolant from the hot engine to where it is cooled off in the radiator.
When the cooling system has a problem, you will likely see your vehicle’s temperature gauge showing you it’s running at a higher temperature than it usually does. Or maybe the low coolant light has come on. If either of these happens, it’s important that you not drive too long since a hot, running vehicle can suffer expensive damage quickly.
Radiator hoses can be damaged by being subjected to temperature extremes, both hot and cold. In addition to the temperature gauge climbing or low coolant light illuminating, there are other clues that may tell you your vehicle is leaking fluid. You may notice a green, yellow, brown or purple fluid pooled on the ground around your vehicle.
At any of these signs, it’s time to bring your vehicle in for service soon. A technician can inspect hoses for leaks, deformities and other problems, as well as looking for cracks and wear. They’ll also check the condition of the water pump, since problems with it can be another reason coolant will leak out from under your vehicle.
It is better to periodically have your hoses checked rather than waiting until they fail. How often you should have yours replaced depends a lot on what vehicle you own, and in what conditions it is driven. Rubber degrades not only by temperature but also by what materials it comes in contact with. For example, oil leaking on a radiator hose can prematurely cause that hose to fail. Age is another factor.
We recommend you have one of our technicians inspect your cooling system regularly so you don’t get “hosed” by a failure at an inconvenient time.
TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires
1735 N Main St
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
248-541-8300
http://www.tlcautocareroyaloak.com
Need Service?
More articles from TLC Auto Care
TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires On Your Serpentine Belt
June 14, 2026
Today we're going to be talking about serpentine belts for our Royal Oak, Michigan, customers. Let's start by talking about the accessories that are driven by the serpentine belt. First is the alternator. That's the device that makes electricity to power the vehicle and recharge the battery. T... More
Flat Tire? Three’s the Charm (Tire Repair)
June 7, 2026
For most drivers, at some point youre going to have a flat tire. Depending on how it was damaged, it may have to be replaced. But sometimes, a repair will do the trick, as long as the puncture isnt on the sidewall and the hole is smaller than inch/6.35mm in diameter. Here are the three common w... More
Fuel Saving Tip: Royal Oak Tune Up
May 31, 2026
Have you ever gone to listen to an orchestra? The musicians take the stage early and tune their instruments. Each individual instrument must be in tune, but the critical thing is for the entire orchestra to be in tune with each other. That's why they tune up together.Now this is no surprise; I'm ... More