Large hose clamps are used to keep the hoses in your car secure and stable. Though they’re available in many different sizes and types of materials, they will eventually need to be replaced. Recognizing the signs that it’s time to switch out a worn hose clamp can be tough, but it can make the difference between keeping your car on the road or sending it to the mechanic again and again. Here are a few signs to watch for.
Your Radiator Hose is Leaking
Large hose clamps help hold your radiator hose in place. As they wear down, the seams in the hose can start leaking, leaving you with an overheating and underperforming engine. If you’ve noticed that your engine is running hotter than normal or feel that something is off when you accelerate, check the hose clamps. It may be that one clamp came loose or broke and just needs to be replaced. Keep in mind, the sooner you replace it, the better. Otherwise, you might do damage to the engine.
Your Radiator Hose is Swollen
Under normal conditions, your radiator hose should stay the same shape and diameter. However, if a clamp is too tight or the hose is damaged, the tubing may swell under pressure. Have a look under the hood of your car and inspect the shape of the hose and the connections around the fittings. If anything is loose, you’ll want to replace the hose and all hose clamps to prevent further damage.
The Large Hose Clamps Are Rusty
Rusty metal is weak metal and it’s important to check even the best large stainless steel hose clamps them every once in a while for signs of rust and corrosion. If you notice any discoloration, take the time to replace the clamps. Leaving rusty and damaged clamps in place puts your car at risk for worse damage. The last thing any car owner wants is an unexpected mechanic’s bill.
Check your large hose clamps for damage and replace them the minute you notice something wrong. This will save you money in the long-run and spare you the annoyance of getting stuck on the side of the road.