Silicone Hoses: the Superior Choice for Automotive
Posted by Matthew Marks on 1st Aug 2024
When it comes to automotive applications, the choice of hoses can significantly affect performance and durability. And that's where silicone hoses come in.
With its exceptional heat and pressure resistance, silicone is superior for automotive enthusiasts and professionals.
Unlike traditional rubber hoses, silicone hoses are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for high-performance engines that generate intense heat.
Not only do silicone hoses offer excellent resistance to cracking, ageing, and corrosion, but they also maintain flexibility and shape even in the harshest conditions. You can rely on silicone hoses to deliver optimal performance and reliability on the racetrack or cruising down the motorway.
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Alternatively, check out our Silicone hoses installation guide.
In this article, we'll delve deeper into the advantages of silicone hoses and why they should be your go-to option for all your automotive needs.
Advantages of Silicone Hoses over Rubber
Automotive hoses made of silicone have numerous advantages compared to other materials.
One significant advantage is their ability to resist high temperatures, ranging from -65°C to 260°C (-85°F to 500°F), making them suitable for a wide range of automotive applications.
This heat resistance ensures that the hoses maintain their shape and performance even under extreme conditions, providing reliability.
If you have also massively increased engine power over stock, you will more than likely be generating much more heat, making rubber more brittle faster.
Another advantage is their durability and longevity, as they are highly resistant to ageing and maintain flexibility for years, unlike rubber hoses that can crack, deteriorate, or become brittle over time.
This durability leads to cost savings in the long run, as silicone hoses require less frequent replacement than other materials.
In addition to their heat resistance and durability, silicone hoses also provide excellent resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for use in environments with high levels of moisture, chemicals, and oils.
This corrosion resistance guarantees that the hoses remain reliable and durable, even in harsh conditions.
The fact silicone hoses are so resistant to chemicals is the main reason they are used in automotive applications for silicone hose kits, intake pipes, and couplers for turbocharged systems.
Performance Benefits of Silicone Hoses
The performance benefits of silicone hoses extend beyond their heat resistance and durability. Silicone hoses have a smooth inner surface, which allows for improved airflow and reduced turbulence.
This enhanced airflow can result in better engine performance, increased horsepower, and improved fuel efficiency.
There are many applications for this, such as the Tegiwa silicone intake pipes, which are completely smooth inside as opposed to the OEM intake pipe, which is ribbed, making the airflow more turbulent.
Furthermore, silicone hoses have a higher burst pressure rating than rubber hoses, making them capable of withstanding higher pressure levels without rupturing or leaking.
This increased burst pressure rating provides an added level of safety and reliability, especially in high-performance engines that operate under extreme conditions.
Silicone hoses are flexible, allowing easy installation and routing in tight spaces. Their flexibility ensures the hoses can be easily manoeuvred and connected to various components without causing unnecessary strain or kinking.
This ease of installation saves time and reduces the risk of leaks or performance issues due to improper hose routing.
Silicone Hoses for Automotive Applications
Silicone hoses are widely used in the automotive industry for various applications. One everyday use is in the cooling system, where silicone radiator hoses transport coolant from the engine to the radiator.
Silicone hoses' heat resistance and durability make them an ideal choice for this critical application, as they can withstand high temperatures and pressure fluctuations in the cooling system.
Another common automotive application for silicone hoses is in the intake system, where silicone intake hoses deliver air to the engine.
The smooth inner surface of silicone hoses allows for improved airflow, leading to better engine performance and responsiveness. Silicone intake hoses are also resistant to oil and fuel, further enhancing their suitability for this application.
Silicone vacuum hoses are another popular choice in the automotive industry.
These hoses create vacuum pressure in various systems, such as the brake booster, emission control system, and HVAC system.
The flexibility and durability of silicone vacuum hoses make them ideal for these applications, as they can withstand constant vacuum pressure without collapsing or leaking.
Installation and Maintenance of Silicone Hoses
To ensure optimal performance and longevity, installing and maintaining silicone hoses correctly is essential. During installation, it's crucial to avoid sharp bends or kinks that restrict the flow of fluids or air.
It's also vital to use high-quality hose clamps that provide a secure and leak-free connection. Regular inspection and maintenance are also necessary to identify any signs of wear, damage, or leaks.
Visual inspection of the hoses should be performed periodically, and any hoses that show signs of cracking, swelling, or deterioration should be replaced immediately, especially in high-pressure hoses such as the cooling system.
It's also important to check the hose connections and clamps for tightness and proper alignment.
When cleaning silicone hoses, it's recommended to use mild soap and water or an all-purpose cleaner such as the Soft99 wash mist. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can degrade the silicone material.
After cleaning, ensure the hoses are thoroughly dry before reinstalling them to prevent moisture-related issues.
Best Silicone Hose Manufacturers
When buying silicone hoses that meet the highest standards for automotive applications, it's essential to choose a supplier with a solid reputation in the industry.
Ideally, you want to find a supplier that specialises in automotive and has a wide variety of options available to choose from.
This indicates that they have a deep understanding of the unique requirements of the automotive sector and can provide you with the perfect hoses to fit your specific needs.
With an experienced and knowledgeable supplier on your side, you can have confidence that you are getting the highest quality silicone hoses for your automotive needs.
Mishimoto
If you're looking to improve the performance and reliability of your vehicle's cooling system, consider investing in Mishimoto's high-quality silicone hoses.
These hoses are designed with durability and heat resistance, ensuring optimal coolant flow and efficient operation.
Silicone hoses are an essential component of any cooling system, and Mishimoto's radiator hoses are specifically crafted to provide a secure, leak-free connection between your radiator and engine.
This allows for smooth coolant flow, crucial for maintaining your engine's temperature and preventing overheating.
What sets Mishimoto's silicone radiator hoses apart is their ability to withstand the demanding conditions of cooling system operation.
These hoses are engineered to be highly durable, flexible, and resistant to common automotive fluids, such as oil and coolant.
Out of the silicone hose manufacturers on this list, the Mishimoto silicone hose range is by far the biggest, with a vast range of vehicles in their product range.
Exoracing
If you are a Honda owner, Exoracing silicone hose kits are an excellent option to replace your car's OEM coolant hose system.
These kits address the common issue of the OEM system becoming brittle and failing over time. Our high-quality silicone alternative is resistant to cracking, bursting, and discolouration, making it a dependable choice for your vehicle.
What distinguishes our silicone hose kits is their durability and strength. Each kit includes reinforced high-grade silicone hoses that can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees without distorting.
This is significantly more than what your cooling system will ever produce, providing you with the assurance that our hoses can handle the job.
Furthermore, our silicone hose kits come in various colours, which is popular among car enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you prefer sleek black or vibrant blue, we have you covered.
If you want to finish your build, browse our selection of silicone joiners and other related products in our heat management category.
Skunk2
Upgrade your vehicle's performance with Skunk2 Fine Tuning products and accessories like their Silicone Radiator Hoses.
These hoses add a sleek look to your engine bay with their glossy black finish, red interior, and Skunk2 logo, and they provide peace of mind with their durability.
Unlike OEM rubber cooling hoses that deteriorate over time due to heat and pressure, Skunk2 silicone hoses are handmade using high-quality, automotive-grade silicone and feature cutting-edge, multi-layer, embedded fibre linings that resist even the most abusive engine temperatures and pressures.
Each application has been test-fitted for accuracy and OEM fit and has undergone rigorous testing and inspections to ensure years of worry-free operation.
These hoses are compatible with each vehicle's OEM water housings, radiator necks, and OEM hose clamps.
Conclusion
In summary, due to its many advantages, silicone hoses are superior for automotive applications.
They offer exceptional heat and temperature resistance, durability, longevity, and performance benefits that outshine traditional rubber hoses.
Whether you want to improve the performance of your high-performance engine or ensure reliable cooling and intake systems, silicone hoses provide unmatched performance and reliability.
By opting for silicone hoses, you can be confident that you're investing in a high-quality product that can withstand the most challenging conditions and deliver optimal performance for years.
Don't settle for anything less than the best—choose silicone hoses for your automotive needs and experience the difference for yourself.
If you still need more information or want to let us know if we've helped you, please drop us a message below or contact us.