OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) radiator hoses are usually made of rubber while aftermarket hoses are often made of silicone. Unlike many other vehicle components, aftermarket hoses are often considered superior to those manufactured by the vehicle manufacturer.

On this premise, many vehicle owners often choose silicone radiator hoses over those made of rubber when the time comes for hose replacement. This article discusses three things you should expect if you choose to go the silicone way.

A More Expensive Replacement

The cost of raw materials is among the most prominent factors that determine the cost of radiator hoses. Being that silicone is a more expensive raw material than rubber, you should reasonably expect to pay more for silicone radiator hoses.

The extra cost of silicone hoses is justified by the fact that silicone is more resistant to heat than rubber. Therefore, hoses made of silicone are less likely to suffer physical damage (e.g. swelling and cracking) as a result of exposure to the excess heat transferred between the engine block and the radiator. This makes them more durable than radiator hoses made of traditional rubber.

Similarly, these hoses are supported using special clamps that have rounded inner rings. These clamps are often more expensive than those used to support hoses made of plain rubber and this adds to the cost of your replacement.

However, you might be glad to know that auto service/repair specialists often don't have extra charges for the installation of silicone radiator hoses.

A "Pimped Out" Engine Compartment

Aesthetics is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your vehicle's engine compartment. But who said the engine compartment can't be appealing to the eyes?

Silicone radiator hoses strike the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. This is because they're available in a wide range of colours ranging from black to yellow and everything in between. Silicone hoses also have a shiny appearance that adds a bit of glamour to the engine compartment.

In sharp contrast, OEM radiator hoses are often only available in black and they often have a dull appearance. They don't have much to offer your engine compartment in terms of aesthetic value.

A More Intensive Maintenance Schedule

Finally, you should prepare for a more intensive maintenance schedule once the silicone hoses have been installed in your engine compartment.

The shiny outer surface of these hoses is a magnet for dirt and dust thanks to its sticky texture. You'll probably have to clean the hoses more often than you do with radiator hoses made of rubber.