Your car’s radiator hoses might not get much attention, but they’re the unsung heroes of your cooling system. These flexible tubes keep your engine from overheating by maintaining coolant flow between the radiator and the engine.
However, if you’ve noticed puddles of coolant under your car or heard a hissing sound near the radiator, it might be time for a replacement.
Wondering how much it’ll cost?
Read on to learn about radiator hose replacement costs and the factors influencing them. We’ll also cover the signs of a bad radiator hose to help you fix it before it causes further damage.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Radiator Hose Replacement Cost?
- Is it Worth Replacing the Radiator Hose?
- 7 Critical Signs You Need a Radiator Hose Replacement
- How Long Do Radiator Hoses Last?
- Can You Replace the Radiator Hoses Yourself?
How Much Does a Radiator Hose Replacement Cost?
Here’s a quick breakdown of how much it’ll cost to replace a worn radiator hose:
A. Range
The average cost of a radiator hose replacement service ranges between $90 to $514. This includes:
- Part costs: $10 to $345 per hose
- Labor costs: $80 to $170
NOTE: Your car usually has two radiator hoses — an upper hose and a lower hose. If one is damaged, a mechanic might suggest replacing both, as the other could be nearing failure.
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Your vehicle’s make and model can affect costs, especially if it has a complex cooling system or uses specialized parts. The type of repair shop also influences pricing, with local auto repair shops generally charging less than dealerships.
Other factors that may affect your cost include:
- Hose material: Car radiator hoses come in three types — rubber, silicone, and EPDM/EVA (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). Rubber hoses are the most affordable among the three. In contrast, EPDM/EVA hoses, though expensive, offer excellent flexibility and resistance to heat and aging.
- Repair complexity: Replacing the upper radiator hose requires less labor, as it’s more accessible. The lower radiator hose may require removing nearby components like the radiator fan, increasing labor and repair costs.
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vs. aftermarket parts: OEM hoses are designed to match your car’s specifications, ensuring the best fit and performance, but they come at a higher cost. Aftermarket hoses are more affordable but may vary in quality.
- Related repairs: A mechanic might recommend a coolant flush and bleeding the system to remove debris or air pockets, costing around $140 to $250. They may also replace the worn hose clamps in case there’s a radiator leak.
Additionally, if the engine’s overheating, they might suggest replacing the thermostat or water pump to keep the cooling system running smoothly.
Is it Worth Replacing the Radiator Hose?
Absolutely.
Radiator hoses facilitate coolant flow between the engine and the radiator. The coolant absorbs heat from the engine, cools in the radiator, and then cycles back to maintain the right engine temperature.
However, a damaged radiator hose can rupture, collapse, or develop cracks, leading to coolant leaks and engine overheating. Severe overheating can cause serious engine damage, leading to costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
So, it’s best to replace them as soon as you start noticing signs.
7 Critical Signs You Need a Radiator Hose Replacement
Contact a mechanic if you spot any of these symptoms:
- Coolant leak (puddles of bright green, yellow, or pink fluid under your car)
- Illuminated Check Engine Light
- Audible hissing noises coming from near the radiator
- Engine overheating and high-temperature warnings on the temperature gauge
- Low coolant levels
- Soft or collapsed radiator hose
- Cracked, bulged, or swollen hoses
How Long Do Radiator Hoses Last?
Radiator hoses don’t have a set lifespan but usually last 4 to 5 years. Sometimes, they might last 10 to 15 years or even the car’s life.
However, it’s still a good idea to replace them if your vehicle is over 4 years old or has more than 60,000 miles.
Some factors that can shorten their lifespan include:
- Overheated engine: High heat can wear out the hoses faster.
- Hose condition: Bends or kinks can weaken hoses and cause them to fail sooner.
- Coolant quality: Dirty or old engine coolant can lead to corrosion and leaks in the vehicle’s cooling system.
- Poor maintenance: Neglecting radiator maintenance, like checking for cracks, leaks, or wear, can shorten their life.
Can You Replace the Radiator Hoses Yourself?
Replacing a faulty radiator hose can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with your vehicle’s cooling system or engine components. Moreover, if you don’t have the right tools or expertise in car repair, it’s best to let a professional mechanic handle the replacement.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how they replace a radiator hose:
- Prepare the vehicle: Park on a smooth, flat surface, engage the emergency or parking brake, and let the engine cool completely.
- Drain the coolant: Place a catch pan under the radiator drain plug. Use pliers or a screwdriver to open the plug and collect the coolant in the pan.
- Locate the worn hoses: The upper radiator hose is located between the engine’s thermostat housing and radiator, while the lower radiator hose runs from the bottom of the radiator to the water pump.
- Remove the old hose: Use pliers or a screwdriver to loosen the hose clamps. Then, gently twist and pull the hose to remove it from the fittings. If it’s stuck, carefully pry it loose.
- Install the new hose: Attach the new hose to the radiator and engine fittings. Secure it with new clamps, tightening them firmly with pliers or a screwdriver.
- Refill the coolant: Close the drain plug and refill the radiator with the recommended coolant.
- Remove air bubbles (bleeding the system): Start the engine with the radiator cap off to let air bubbles escape. If needed, add more engine coolant.
- Final checks: Replace the radiator cap and inspect the new hose for leaks. Take a short test drive to monitor the temperature gauge to ensure it stays within the normal range.
Choose AutoNation Mobile Service for a Reliable Radiator Hose Replacement
Keeping your car’s radiator hoses in top shape is key to avoiding severe engine damage and expensive repairs. However, if you’re already experiencing issues, such as radiator leaks or engine overheating, replacing the faulty radiator hose is the best solution.
Looking for reliable auto repair professionals who provide radiator service?
End your search with AutoNation Mobile Service.
We’re a mobile car repair solution offering convenient radiator hose replacement for all car makes. We also provide upfront pricing and a 12-month, 12,000-mile repair warranty on all repairs.
Book an appointment with us for a hassle-free car radiator repair right from your driveway!