Are the Pipes Beneath Your Car's Bonnet in Good Shape?
Posted on: 8 September 2021
As you know, liquids and oils need to be transported from one part of your vehicle to another to heat, cool or lubricate it. They are moved through a variety of different pipes, and many of these are made from rubber or composite material. While these parts are well made for the job and designed to last as long as possible, they will inevitably deteriorate. This is why it is important to keep an eye on them and understand what may go wrong as the weeks pass. What should you know?
Flexible Hose System
Many of the hoses that you find beneath the bonnet of your car are designed to be flexible. They may need to connect two major components that are difficult to reach and may, therefore, be designed with one or more bends. Whenever a substance has to change direction within a pipe, there is a chance of degradation. The pipe can expand or contract as conditions change, and when the surface begins to stretch or tense, cracks may begin to appear.
Metal Degradation
Owners should also be aware of a condition known as 'electrochemical degradation'. This is caused by tiny particles of metal that flow through the cooling system and that generate an electrical charge as they do so. The discharge will eventually weaken the interior walls of the hose and create tiny cracks, especially along those bends.
Further Damage
These hoses are particularly susceptible to damage at each extreme. This is where they are connected to a metal component using clamps or connectors. If those connectors are not properly attached or may begin to work loose, then this can cause friction and, eventually, damage. In an ideal world, you would use constant tension clamps designed to cope with this type of problem and automatically adjust the tension based on the temperature of the system.
Expert Attention
Most people do not have the time to check each and every pipe as often as they perhaps should. This is why it is increasingly important to take the vehicle in for every scheduled service and let the experts take over. The technician will look at the condition of each pipe and, where necessary, will change it. This will ensure that the vehicle continues to function as it should and will help to avoid any unwanted breakdowns.
If it's been some time since you scheduled a car servicing appointment, do so now.
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