Auto Heater Blower Duct Hose


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Auto Heater Blower Duct Hose

Auto Heater Blower Duct Hose

Summer is in full swing and those long awaited vacations are right around the corner. A cooling system in need of attention can ruin that first summer trip. A hot July afternoon under a cloudless sky is not the time to spend several hours on the roadside with steam pouring from under the hood of an overheated car.

Spending some time on a weekend, using these guidelines, inspecting the cooling system may help avoid the driver and the car from blowing off some steam.

Starting the Inspection

The inspection should be performed on a cold engine when no pressure is on the system and there's no chance of getting scalded or burned.

With the radiator cap removed, check the sealing areas for worn or missing seals. The cap should be tested to make sure it is able to hold its rated pressure. Weak radiator caps will allow coolant to boil at a much lower temperature than it would normally.

The coolant (anti-freeze) needs to be tested for proper strength and make sure no contaminants are in the system. The proper strength is a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water. It can be checked with an inexpensive tester available anywhere auto parts are sold. A proper mixture will usually give a reading around minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If it has been more than two years or 24,000 miles since the coolant was last changed, then now is the time to get it done. Most service facilities offer a power flush service which will not only replace the coolant but will also back flush the system to remove rust and scale build-up.

All the hoses—heater hoses, radiator hoses and by-pass hoses—need a thorough inspection and a good squeeze. Hoses should feel firm yet pliable. Any crunching felt with the hand is a sure indication a hose is deteriorating on the inside. If a hose is very soft or mushy, very hard, or covered with oil and grease, it is time for a replacement. The entire length of each hose should be inspected, paying close attention to any place it may have been rubbing against something and worn thin. Connection points and all clamps should be clean, tight, and show no signs of leakage or swelling.