By User:AllieCashel @timeAndDate(1277929557)
When you open up the hood of your car, you'll see a complex arrangement of different colored hoses connecting each part of your engine to another strange looking plastic or metal piece (that's what it looks like to me at least). In reality, that complex web of hoses is a vital part of your cars engine: so vital in fact, that without it you car wouldn't be able to move down the road. What each of those hoses does is create a low atmospheric pressure in the engine, transforming it into a large pump that uses air, fuel and combustion gases to propel your vehicle forward. Since they play such a major role, the smallest damage to one hose can cause major problems in the way your engines runs. Maintaining and taking good care of these vital hoses however, isn't too difficult of a task and can save you lots of money on trips to the garage for repairs you can do easily on your own.
How to Check Your Vacuum Hoses
If you're experiencing engine trouble, it's always a good idea to check your vacuum hoses since it's easy for them to get small rips from the heat or wear of your engine. Checking them is a fairly simple process. First, locate the Vehicle Emissions Control Label (often located under the hood in front of your cars radiator), this has a map of the hose system in your cars engine. Following the VECL Map, run your fingers down each hose in your engine looking and feeling for any small tears, cracks, or frays. This will be tedious, but it's important if you want to keep your car running smoothly. You may need to detach and replace some hoses in order to follow the entire length of each one. The key to this process is following the map, but make sure you take note of which hoses you've already checked so as not to waste your own time!
How to Replace Your Vacuum Hose
Engine problems are often a result of damage to this system, so if you've discovered a problem with one of your hoses, you should replace it as soon as possible. Follow these simple steps to replace your damaged engine vacuum hoses.
* '''Step 1''': Locate the problem. If you've checked your hoses, you've probably already done this.
* '''Step 2''': Remove the air filter covers and take note of which side the damaged vacuum hose resides.
* '''Step 3''': Remove the air filter that is connected to the damaged hose.
* '''Step 4''': Remove the air filter container: you should now be able to clearly see the place where the hose is connected.
* '''Step 5''': Slide off the end of the hose closest to a throttle body (some cars require the use of a screwdriver) and use lock pillars to squeeze the clamp holding the other end in place, releasing the hose.
* '''Step 6''': Insert the new hose into the same place, following the step above but insert rather than remove.
* '''Step 7''': Replace the air filter container, air filter, and filter covers and you're done!
Just a note: Some car companies make specific hoses for different parts of your car's engine. Check to see if you can get replacement hoses from your car brand company before you buy a more generic hose.