A radiator hose is a permanent part of the cooling system of your car. It transfers coolant between the engine radiator and other cooling components. It is a very important hose that controls temperature of the engine of your vehicle when you are on the road.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about a radiator hose. Furthermore, we also mention its types, parts, material and market price. Please watch this video below for getting basic understanding related to radiator system.
Car Radiator Hose or Pipe
A radiator hose is part of a car’s cooling system, which is used to carry coolant between the engine and the radiator. The coolant flows from the engine to the radiator with the help of the upper radiator hose. At this point, the heat is absorbed, and then the cooled liquid is sent back with the help of the lower radiator hose.
What Does a Radiator Hose Look Like?
Well, a radiator hose is a black, thick & flexible rubber or molded plastic tube. It has one or more curves that are made to fix it with the components of the engine. Furthermore, its shape can change according to your specific vehicle and its modifications. For example, in racing vehicles, drivers use customized radiator hoses.
Radiator Hose Parts
- Pipe: Radiator hose pipe is the main body of the hose. This is the flexible tube that carries the coolant between the engine and the radiator.
- Hose Clamp: This part is a metal ring or band used to hold the hose tightly. You will find these clamps at both ends of the hose, where it connects to the radiator, engine or water pump. There are three types of radiator hose clamps: worm gear, spring loaded & t bolt clamp.
- Radiator Hose Housing: This component provides a secure mounting point for the hose. Actually, that’s the part where the hose connects to the engine or thermostat.
- Valve: Radiator hose valve controls the flow of coolant in the hose. In addition, some systems use this valve to regulate coolant direction or manage flow to specific parts, like the heater core.
- Radiator Hose Extension: You require this part when the original hose is too short to reach its connection point. Actually, radiator hose extension is an additional piece used to extend the length of an existing hose.
Radiator Hose Purpose
As you know, when you turn on a car it produces heat energy due to fuel combustion. So, there is always a need to cool down this heat. Because this heat can affect major parts of the vehicle. To fulfil this goal, a cooling system is installed in your cars. This system works with the transportation of coolant, which takes heat from the engine and transfers the heated liquid into radiator.
The radiator decreases the coolant temperature and the cooled liquid is then sent back toward the engine. This transportation is handled by radiator hoses. Actually, these hoses provide a safe path for the coolant to travel. They bear high temperature & pressure of the engine. Moreover, they tolerate car vibrations and harsh chemicals. In this way, radiator hoses provide you a well organized safe and secure transportation of coolant.
Types of Radiator Hoses
Radiator hose types are divided on the basis of their location and purpose. Upper and lower radiator hoses are described below for better understanding.
Top Radiator Hose/Upper Radiator Hose
As its name suggests,the upper radiator hose connects the top of the engine to the top of the radiator. Its main job is to carry hot coolant away from the engine. This hose is designed to bear high pressure & temprature of coolant.
Lower or Bottom Radiator Hose
The lower radiator hose connects the bottom of the radiator to the water pump. Its job is the opposite of the top hose. It sends cooled coolant back into the engine.
After the arrival of hot liquid the radiator cools down the hot coolant, this hose sends that cool coolant back to the engine. In this way the temperature of the engine is maintained. That’s why you will often find a wire coil inside this hose. It prevents the hose from collapsing due to the suction which is created by the water pump.
Radiator Hose Material
Radiator hoses are manufactured with different materials which make them suitable for different environment conditions.
EPDM Rubber Hose
This type of hose is most commonly used in vehicles due to their affordable price. EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. This material can easily handle heat, pressure, coolant chemicals and outdoor weather conditions. It handles temperatures up to -40°C to 120°C without breaking down
Silicone Rubber Hose
It is a premium option as compared to EPDM. This material can handle much higher temperatures and lasts longer under extreme conditions. It is designed to withstand temperatures up to 350°F (177°C) or even higher in some cases.
Reinforced Radiator Hose
This hose is made up of EPDM rubber or silicone, which is reinforced with polyester or aramid. Its reinforced layer makes it a more durable option because it can handle more than 130 °C of temperature. Hence, you can use it in racing cars.
Wire Reinforced Radiator Hose
Radiator hose with spring inside use rubber/silicone. But its special feature is its internal circular-shaped steel wire, which is manufactured with fabric or textile braids. It can bear temperatures from -40 to 125 plus. You will notice this type in the lower radiator hose to stop inward collapsing.
Radiator Hose Manufacturers
If you want to buy a radiator hose, you need a reliable company to get the best products. At RONTEIX, we can provide you rubber & silicone hoses. You can place an order if you want any customization according to your vehicle as well. There are many reasons you should choose us:
- We use premium quality materials like EPDM rubber and silicone.
- We have more than 18 years of experience.
- Our hoses are tested for high temperature and pressure resistance.
- We offer both standard and custom hose sizes.
- Our team makes sure of strict quality checks before we send your shipment.
- We provide reliable bulk supply for distributors & workshop owners as well.
Radiator Hose Price
| Type of Item | Approximate Price Range |
| DIY hose parts only | $20-$80 |
| Hose clamp kit | $5 to $15 |
| Radiator hose housing | $10 – $60 |
| Upper radiator hose | $10 – $100 |
| Lower radiator hose | $10 to $70 |
| Single clamp | $1 to $4 |
Final Thoughts
Finally, we can say radiator hoses play a very important role in engine cooling system. Because if one of these hoses leaks or is damaged the engine can overheat. This situation damages all the related parts like head gasket, wirings, radiator cap, cylinder head, engine block, radiator and piston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does the Lower Radiator Hose Connect To?
A lower radiator hose is connected between the bottom outlet of the radiator or tank where the coolant exits from the core. The other one is attached to the water pump of the engine which pulls back the fluid into the engine.
What Does the Upper Radiator Hose Connect To?
An upper radiator hose is connected with the inlet port at the top of the storage tank. This hose carries the hot coolant out of the engine to the radiator so it can be cooled.
When to Replace Radiator Hose?
If you see any visible damage in the radiator hose you should replace it. But if you do not see any apparent damage or leak, you should change it after 5 to 6 years if it is a rubber hose. In case of silicone hose the life span is more than 10 years with proper maintenance.
Which Radiator Hose Should Be Hot?
Upper radiator hose should be hot when the car run because it carries hot coolant directly from the engine. On the other side, the lower hose is cooler or sometimes a little bit warmer.
Which Radiator Hose is The Inlet?
Inlet hose is the upper coolant hose as it transports liquid from the engine block to the top part of the radiator.
Should I Replace Radiator Hoses When Replacing Radiator?
Yes, you can, because the hoses are disconnected to remove the old radiator, so it becomes easy for you to install new hoses. But if you already have new hoses and you think they can run for 4 to 5 years easily, you can put the old hoses back.
