How to Repair a Car Heater Hose

A heater hose repair kit is great insurance against roadside disaster

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How to Repair a Car Heater Hose

A leaking heater hose will stop your car dead in it's tracks, but with a basic repair kit you can fix the hose yourself, even out in the middle of nowhere, and be driving again in an hour.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

How to Repair a Car Heater Hose

A leaking heater hose will stop your car dead in it's tracks, but with a basic repair kit you can fix the hose yourself, even out in the middle of nowhere, and be driving again in an hour.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Emergency heater hose repair

You're driving along running just a bit late for an appointment when steam starts belching up through the edges of the hood. Your car has just blown a heater hose and the coolant is vaporizing as it drains onto the hot engine. Well, we can't make you feel any better about what just happened, but we can help you get back on the road in a reasonable amount of time. If your car is more than 6 years old, no doubt your radiator and heater hoses have seen better days. Next time you're in the auto supply store, pick up a kit containing a heater hose coupling like the one shown and a pair of clamps. The kit doesn't cost much and is a good insurance policy. Just be sure you also carry a flashlight, a pocketknife and a set of screwdrivers (essential tools to always have on board).

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Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

    • 4-in-1 screwdriver
    • Flashlight
    • Rags

You'll also need a pocketknife

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.

    • Heater hose coupling
    • Hose clamps
    • Water or coolant

Shopping List

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Comments from DIY Community Members

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1 - 2 of 2 comments
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wmartinusa

July 21, 7:21 PM [GMT -5]

If you're not in your own well prepared vehicle....

a coke can and duct tape. take the ends off the can and split it lengthwise, Place it around the blown hose. Tape around to seal the split first and then seal each end.

2 years later my friend remarked the repair was still in place and working.

babeboy75

October 16, 10:00 AM [GMT -5]

Yes Its a very useful & easy job. very handy when you get stuck with a brown hose thanks.
babeboy75

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