some random automotive maint questions..i cant remember..
 

1. what do you look for with radiator hoses..squishy-ness? or actually cracking?
2. do you put anti sieze on your sparkplugs? i have heard arguments on both sides..i never do, and never had a problem..but i did today..i did NOT adjust the torque value..

trying to get my truck ready for a couple of long roadtrips.

is GATES still the great hose company it once was? or go OEM?

1. not too squishy, just pliable bendy sounds good. Squishy would feel to me to be too thin. And for sure, no cracks or brittleness.
2. I always forget, so no anti sieze for me on plugs. Just don't over tighten them.
Just seat them till the crush washer crushes a little and that's good enough. SmileWavy

Look for bulging where the coolant hoses enter the radiator, and block. check the path the hoses are routed for chafing

Look at the hose where there are molded bends...cracking on the jacket?


Hell just replace if the hoses are suspect...

I typically replace the belts and hoses at 100,000 miles.

My pick-up is due for another set- Turned 200,000 recently.