Don’t forget the ‘other’ hose
There are many automotive technicians who are apprehensive of recommending a full hose replacement to their customers.
Instead, these technicians feel safer and more comfortable in recommending the replacement of only the failed hose to their customers.
It seems that the main reason for this “fear” stems from a perception by the automotive technician that their customers may feel they are trying to increase the service cost by introducing additional repair items that may or may not exist.
After many years in development and research of automotive hoses, we are here to tell you that this “fear” can actually be causing you and your customer more risk than benefit.
How so, you ask? Well, we all know that the primary cause of radiator hose failure is an electrochemical attack on the rubber compound of the hose. This is called electrochemical degradation (or ECD). ECD attacks the hose from the inside out, and slowly diminishes the hose’s strength.
The main issue here is that the degradation is happening on the inside of the hose, and this is not easily visible to the eye, often until it is too late and the hose has already failed. Further, it is important to consider that if one hose has already failed because of ECD, it is likely that the other coolant hoses, which have been under the same electrochemical attack, are not far behind.
As such, when it is time to replace a radiator hose/coolant hose, it is advisable that the other coolant hoses are replaced at the same time. Yes, this will increase the cost of the service, but it will considerably diminish the risk that the other hoses may fail.
Replacing all coolant hoses at the same time protects your customer from further issues, and protects your reputation as a great automotive technician.
Gates understands that sometimes the cost of replacing a complete set of coolant hoses can be a financial hurdle for some customers. As such, we are pleased to introduce our new Radiator Hose Pack programme which provides you, and your customers, with vehicle specific ecific packs containing upper and d lower radiator hoses and clamps. .
When a complete replacement ement of coolant hoses is too big a stretch, then, at minimum you should uld be recommending the replacement ement of at least the upper and lower er radiator hoses. It’s a small investment ent for your peace of mind.
Gates Radiator Hose Packs ks offer real value and convenience, e, and take the effort away from sourcing ourcing the individual hoses and clamps. amps. They include quality solid band (non-perforated) hose clamps mps which provide a secure fit without t damaging the hose.
As you would expect, the Gates hoses included in the packs ks meet SAE 20R3 & 20R4 Type EC C Class D-1and D-2 specifications, and are engineered to resist electrochemical ochemical degradation. A basic fitting g guide is also included with the packs. ks.
For Gates new Radiator Hose Pack part numbers and applications, ions, visit www.GatesAustralia.com.au/ om.au/ radiator hosepacks.