How often should a radiator hose be changed on a car?

Usually it%26#039;ll stay good until you find cracks in it; that%26#039;s about the only way to find out when you need a new one. Also, check around the ends, as the tie-downs might be cutting the hose. It really depends on the temp. outdoors; if it%26#039;s cold, and the car sits quite a while, it%26#039;s more likely to crack. Just check the appearance and go from there! Hope this helps!|||They don%26#039;t really need to be changed unless they are weather-checked, cracked, abraded, burned, or otherwise damaged. They do get old though so it is a good idea to look your hoses over a couple of times a year just to make sure all is well.


If you need to change an old hose it%26#039;s easier to slice the end with a utility knife (after removing the clamp). That way you can just peel it off the connection. If you try to just tug it off you can damage the connection. Heater cores are notorious for cracking if you just tug at an old hose to get it off.|||As soon as it starts to get soft and spongy, or if a bubble or blister forms on it (usually next to a hose clamp that was done up too tight.)