After long-term use, engine radiator hoses age and become prone to breaking. If the radiator hose ruptures while driving, especially when water is inside high-temperature water will turn into a large cloud of water vapor and spray out from under the engine cover. In this case, immediately pull over to a safe spot and take emergency steps to fix the issue.
How to Handle a Burst Flexible Radiator Hose
Under normal circumstances, when the radiator is filled with water, the hose joints are the most likely to crack and leak. Here’s what to do:
For joint cracks
Cut off the broken section of the hose. Insert a reserved radiator pipe into the inlet, then secure it tightly with clamps.
For mid-hose cracks
First, clean the leaking area thoroughly. Once dry, wrap adhesive tape tightly around the crack. Since engine pressure is high during operation, ensure the tape is wrapped as snugly as possible to prevent leaks.
If you don’t have tape, use plastic paper to cover the tear first. Then, cut old cloth into strips and wrap them around the hose for extra reinforcement. If the hose has a large gap and water still leaks after wrapping, open the water tank cover slightly to reduce pressure in the cooling system and minimize leakage.
After taking these measures, avoid driving at high engine speeds. Stick to higher gears and monitor the water temperature gauge closely. If the temperature rises too much, pull over to let the engine cool down or add more cooling water.