Heater and bypass hose should be inspected and maintained to maximize hose life and catch potential failures before they happen. And if replacement is necessary, it’s important to understand the options.
What To Look For:
Some basic tips on catching and preventing possible hose failure.
• It’s not uncommon for hoses to look new at 60,000 or even 80,000 miles. Regardless, most maintenance schedules require periodic inspection rather than a replacement interval.
• As a rule of thumb, most hoses should be replaced every four to five years.
• Visible signs of hose failure include cracks, blisters or splits in the hose cover.
• Most hoses wear from the inside out, so squeeze the hose throughout its length to spot any signs of softness. However, normal hose wear may create a hard or brittle cover.
• Some engine designs can conceal the small, molded heater hose. Be sure to inspect all sections.
What To Do: 
According to Goodyear Engineered Products, your best bet for replacement is Molded Hose. Molded hose is designed to replace OEM configuration and performance. It is compounded to the highest level recommended by the Society of Automotive Engineers, and also to resist electrochemical degradation. It is compatible with most coolants.
Universal Heater Hose is a less expensive alternative. It is adaptable to most vehicles. Select the proper hose ID and measure the overall length. Choose two hoses that match the original shape and cut. Be careful not to cut it too short to allow for engine movement and ensure original routing. Form a replacement hose with the connectors and clamps.
Another choice is E-Z Coil Hose, which replaces 200-plus heater hose SKUs, with more than 26,000 applications. E-Z Coil Hose is for 1/2”, 5/8” and 3/4” heater hose. Assembly and installation is easy. And it maintains a consistent I.D. through a 90° bend.
Courtesy of Veyance Technologies, Inc.
