When was the last time you checked the rubber hoses under you bonnet?

Exactly.

A Monday Club day was called to do all the little jobs that had been lying around over the winter. A check of the hoses from the gearbox to the steel pipes than run to the transmission cooler in the radiator lead to the discovery of these nasties.

As you can see, the top hose is very badly split, and was likely to fail at any time. The bottom hose was rigid, with no flexibility left at all. £10 for the pair from the local hydraulic shop prevented a disaster. All 3 cars were in the same condition.

This is due to the location of the pipes. which is behind the exhaust manifold. The combination of heat and exposure to the elements had took there toll.

Steve Payne noticed a slight oil leak on the pipe from the oil filter to the engine. Removal of the pipe found that it was like a steel rod instead of a rubber hose. This hose was replaced 3 years ago, and had deteriorated into this condition in a very short length of time.

Again, the hose is exposed to the heat of the exhaust manifold, and all the flexibility had been lost. £10 at the hydraulic shop sorted the problem.

Failure of any of these hoses could have had catastrophic and expensive consequences. £20 and a little worked saved a huge expense in the long run...