Silicone Coolant Hoses?

[ScottB]

Has anyone got anything to say on this subject?
I know they look "cooler" but my feeling is that silicone might just last longer and do better in the heat than standard hoses?

I don't know, maybe I'm over-analyzing possible things to keep my new car new and reliable, but these seem like a good idea?

Anyone have experience or thoughts on these?

Scott

 

[Big Jim]

They were reasonably common on police cars and taxis during the mid 80s. At that time, most coolant hoses were in trouble by 100,000 miles.

Today's hoses are better (as are the coolants) and they last much longer. Also much better clamps are used that hold effectively without causing as much stress.

Silicon hoses are truly superior, but with the general improvements in normal hoses, they are not as cost effective on cars that are expected to last into very high milage as they once were.

At least that's my take on it.

 

[ScottB]

Thanks, Jim. I think I'll get a set as I'm in LA and the heat on the freeways gets pretty bad.
I keep all my fluids in top-shape and probably by normal standards am overkill on a lot of things, but I love my AAA card, just hate using it.

Scott

 

[ScottB]

Thanks, Ray, that's why I'm here!
On a related note, this is the first car I've owned with these new hose clamps - the ones that look like they wouldn't hold a cold hose, let alone a hot one

I imagine that they're just fine - likely better than the old worm-gear types?

Scott

 

[Kestas]

On the plus side, these new hose clamps can't be overtightened and they comply with thermal expansion. Some people complain of leaking coolant in the frigid winter temperatures.

 

[Tosh]

To generally state that one material is superior over another loses sight of the possible variations in quality for all materials.
I would be surprised nowadays to see an aftermarket hose that had as high benefit/cost ratio as (wholesale price) OEM. And often it is the good OEM shape and fit which also helps keep strains lower. But some makes can be expensive.

 

[Ray H]

I'm in the "Inland Empire" area with temps at least as hot as Pasadena's. I ran the OEM hoses on my '96 Accord for over seven years until I totaled the car. The hoses were still uncracked, pliable, and unswollen - inside and out. Havoline DEX-COOL antifreeze was in use the last three years of the car's life. Far be it from me to give you advice, though - just relating my own experience.