Getting the Temperature Rating Right

The failure mode for a radiator hose that's past its best is predictable. It hardens, cracks, or swells at the clamp points, and then it splits under the pressure and temperature of a running engine. Usually at a bad time. Preventive replacement on a known service interval is far cheaper than a roadside breakdown or an overheated engine.

For automotive cooling systems, EPDM rubber is the standard material. It handles the ethylene glycol in coolant, stays flexible down to low temperatures, and has good heat resistance for standard operating ranges. Silicone hose offers a higher temperature ceiling and a longer service life, which is why it's common in performance and motorsport applications, though it costs more. For standard road cars, quality EPDM is the right answer.

A hot water hose for heating and industrial circuits has different requirements. Temperature rating is the main consideration, followed by pressure and the media being carried. A domestic heating circuit runs at modest pressure and temperature. An industrial steam or process hot water system is a different spec entirely; see the Steam Hose collection if you're in that territory.

Bore diameter and bend radius matter for radiator hoses. Moulded hoses are shaped to fit a specific routing. A straight hose is cut to length and bent into position with clips. Make sure the bend doesn't kink the bore. Understand more about the bend radius in our guide.

Orders over £200 to England and Wales qualify for free delivery, with same-day dispatch on most in-stock lines.