Silicone Radiator Hoses

Are Silicone Radiator Hoses Better to Prevent Excessive Heating?

When upgrading vehicle engines, a silicone radiator hose could be a better alternative than traditional rubber hose. But the question is are silicone radiator hoses better than rubber?

Yes, silicone radiator hoses are better in many ways. Silicone is highly heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures as high as 350F. Plus, they can survive in much harsher conditions compared to rubber and have a longer lifespan. 

If you’re still asking yourself, “Can I use silicone radiator hoses?” read our article which compares rubber and silicone. We have compiled a list of pros and cons for each material which will help you decide whether to upgrade to rubber pipes. 

Are Silicone Radiator Hoses Better Than Rubber?

Many industrial applications deal with extremely high temperatures and demand materials that can withstand extreme heat. For instance, radiators require materials that are not just resistant to high temperatures but are also durable. 

Here are a few reasons why silicone radiator hoses are better than rubber:

  1. Flexibility:

Rubber hoses may lose their flexibility over time due to changing weather conditions and temperature changes. On the other hand, silicone hoses are superior in terms of flexibility and maintain it over time which means the hoses will not harden or rot.  

  1. Durability: 

Did you know that silicone can last forever? One of the best characteristics of the material is its long lifespan. Silicone hoses have a higher upfront cost compared to rubber. Despite that, they tend to be cheaper per mile because of their longevity. 

  1. High heat resistance:

High heat resistance is the main reason why people consider substituting rubber hoses with silicone ones. The material does not heat up under pressure and does not expand in high temperatures. This contributes to its long lifespan. 

Compared to rubber, silicone can withstand higher temperatures. Racing vehicles often heat up which is why silicone is the go-to material for racing vehicle manufacturers. 

  1. Vibration Control:

Rubber is a rough material and is more likely to be affected by frictional forces. Contrarily, silicone is characterized by dampening sounds and therefore reducing vibrations. They are known to maintain a stable profile. 

  1. Style: 

Silicone hoses are available in a plethora of colors which makes them a preference among vehicle owners who like to keep their vehicle in style. Car enthusiasts look for variety to make their vehicles appear as unique as possible. 

The vibrant yellows, reds, and blues can make your engine stand out. The best part is silicone hoses are available in neutral colors (such as black, and grey) for those who are not into lively colors. 

Are Silicone Radiator Hoses Worth It? 

Are you still wondering whether silicone hoses are ideal for hosepipes? There is no simple answer to this question because both materials tend to perform equally well in several industrial situations. 

However, there is a reason why industrialists substituted silicone with rubber. The material offers superior performance compared to rubber. Because of its high heat tolerance, car enthusiasts prefer it for performance-enhanced vehicles. 

For instance, if you add a powerful turbocharger to your car and do not upgrade to silicone hoses, you will lower the lifespan of your vehicle because rubber hoses can’t deal with such high temperatures. 

On the other hand, if you aren’t planning on enhancing your vehicle, there is no point in investing in silicone hoses. If your rubber hoses are less than four years old and haven’t been damaged, then replacing rubber hoses with silicone ones doesn’t make sense. 

How to Install Silicone Radiator Hose?

Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide on installing a silicone radiator hose:

Step 1: Remove the hose clamps

Removing silicone radiator hose
Image source: https://www.instructables.com/Installing-Silicone-Radiator-Hoses/

Use the screwdriver to unscrew the hose clamp by rotating it counterclockwise. Continue to rotate the screw until it separates from its sleeve. Remove the clamp and repeat this process until you have gotten rid of all the clamps. 

Step 2: Remove the rubber Hose

Once your rubber hose is free from clamps, remove it and put it aside.  

Step 3: Positioning the silicone hose

Slip-on the silicone hose where the rubber hose was previously placed. Install the hose clamps to secure them into place.

Step 4: Install the hose clamps 

To reinstall the hose clamp, first, unscrew the clamp by rotating its screw counterclockwise. Slide the clamp onto the hose and place it where you want the connection to be. 

Put the screw into its sleeve and using your screwdriver, rotate the screw in the clockwise direction. Keep rotating until the screw is secure in its sleeve.  

Step 5: Fill the coolant

Image source: https://www.instructables.com/Installing-Silicone-Radiator-Hoses/

First, fill the reservoir. Then fill the radiator via the pressure cap port. Place the cap back in place so no more coolant can be added. 

Step 6: Completion

Completion the silicone radiator hose
Image source: https://www.instructables.com/Installing-Silicone-Radiator-Hoses/

Start your car and observe to find any leaks. If there are none, you’re good to go!

FAQs: About Silicone Radiator Hose

Q1: Do Silicone Radiator Hoses Expand?

Heat resistance is the main reason why silicone is preferred over rubber. This means silicone radiator hoses will not expand or heat up regardless of how high the temperature goes.  

Q2: Do Silicone Radiator Hoses Last Longer?

Yes, silicone radiator hoses last much longer compared to rubber hoses. This is because of their durability and high heat resistance. 

Q3: Where to buy a Silicone Radiator Hose?

You can purchase silicone radiator hoses from your local hardware store. It is also widely available online. 

How to Make a Silicone Radiator Hose?

Silicone radiator hoses are made by following several stages. Following are the key stages you need to ensure while manufacturing Silicone radiator hoses. 

  • Milling 
  • calendaring
  • cutting
  • tube rolling
  • building
  • taping
  • curing
  • demoulding 
  • trimming. 

Conclusion: 

Before you switch to silicone hoses, it is crucial to consider how you will be using your car. Will it be subject to extreme hostile conditions? 

Are you upgrading the turbocharger for enhanced performance? If you answered yes to any of these questions then silicone hoses are your solution! 

We hope we’ve answered all questions including, “are silicone radiator hoses good?” If you found this article useful don’t forget to share it with your car enthusiast friends!

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