The Average Cost for a Radiator Hose Replacement Is $15 to $424 Depending on if You Go to the Mechanic or DIY.
This price range is based on national averages for all vehicles and does not factor in taxes, fees, or your particular make and model. Related repairs or maintenance, such as changing your coolant or water pump, may also be needed. For a more accurate estimate based on your make, model, and location, use the RepairPal Fair Price Estimator.
Get a more accurate estimate for your radiator hose replacement using RepairPal’s Fair Price Estimator:
Cost at the Mechanic: $97 to $424
- Parts: $15 to $321
- Labor: $82 to $103
Cost to DIY: $15 to $321
- DIY Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Parts Needed:
Radiator Hose
Radiator Hose Clamp
What Is a Radiator Hose?
Engine coolant is the fluid used to prevent your engine from overheating. In its simplest explanation, the cooling system consists of the radiator and water pump, which takes hot coolant from the engine, cools it down, and then returns it to the engine. Rubber hoses connect the engine and radiator, transferring coolant between them.
What Does a Radiator Hose Replacement Include?
Your engine coolant must also be drained to enable the replacement of the bad hose. Now is a good time to replace it with new coolant, but if the coolant you drain is new or in good condition, you can put it back into the engine after replacing the hose.
What Happens If You Don’t Replace a Bad Radiator Hose?
When a hose springs a leak, coolant will escape, causing a thick cloud of white steam. If you continue to run the engine it will overheat, as indicated by your temperature gauge or warning light. If you continue to drive when it’s overheating, your engine can suffer serious internal damage. It can even seize and stop running permanently if it overheats too much.
How Often to Replace Radiator Hoses
As a general guideline, you should replace your radiator hoses every four years or 60,000 miles, but be sure to check your owner’s manual or use the free FIXD app for accurate maintenance schedules. Hoses can wear out over time, so it is best to replace them when they begin to show signs of wear, and before they begin to leak. This is either a beginner or intermediate job for the DIYer, depending on the location of the hose and how difficult it is to reach.
Common Symptoms You Need to Replace a Radiator Hose
From time to time, pop the hood and inspect your radiator hoses for these signs of impending failure.
- Cuts
- Wear marks
- Discoloration from age
- Minor leaks
Related Maintenance Services
The following services are commonly performed with replacing a radiator hose:
- Coolant change
- Water pump
- Thermostat
Claim Your Custom Maintenance Schedule
Get the FIXD Sensor and free app today for a custom maintenance schedule based on your make, model, and mileage. Never miss important maintenance again with automated maintenance alerts! Learn more at fixdapp.com.
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Recovering autocross and track day enthusiast. Once turned a VW Jetta into a pickup truck. Lives in a van down by the river. Dream car: 2001 Subaru WRC rally car.
