A cars radiator is a central part of the engines cooling system. Responsible for removal of heat from the engine coolant, the radiator system cools the liquid by allowing fresh external air to pass over a network of thin pipes, losing heat to the atmosphere.

Driven by the water pump the coolant circulates around the cooling system travelling through the engine and out via hoses or pipes to the radiator. The radiator acts as a heat exchange removing unwanted heat from the coolant before passing it back to the engine where it then runs back around the system.

A radiator hose connects various parts of the cooling system together; either to or from the engine block, water pump, radiator or cabin heating system. The hose is generally made from rubber or silicone although may also have metal sections.

The radiator hose can usually be seen inside the engine bay from above or below, although may be concealed behind sections of heat shield, or be located between the engine and bulkhead.

Due to the extremes in temperature and exposure to road grime and debris a radiator hose is prone to perishing over time. If fitment of a new hose is necessary it’s essential that any coolant loss is replaced.