October 11, 2022 3 min read
Toyota, as a whole, is known to be one of the most reliable car manufacturers around, building cars that can easily reach hundreds of thousands of miles with the proper care. Replacing old, worn out components in a vehicle is something that all cars need to continue running at optimal levels. As a part of regular maintenance on vehicles such as the 2011-2016 Toyota Sienna 3.5L V6, radiator hoses should be replaced every 4-6 years in order to prevent them from cracking and springing a leak.
2011 Toyota Sienna stock rubber hoses
Most Toyota Sienna owners will tell you that their minivan is a great vehicle to take on road trips as it holds more people and provides more room for everyone to travel comfortably. However, with more weight and longer drives, the engine is subject to working harder for longer periods of time, which elevates engine bay temperatures. Prematurely failed under hood components can mean the difference between making it to your destination and having to take a detour to the side of the road.
Signs of bad hoses
Summer is the most popular season for road travel as the weather is nice enough to enjoy many outdoor activities. Nonetheless, it’s important to know when your radiator hoses need to be replaced to avoid the costly, unexpected tow to a nearby shop. There are many signs that these components may have gone bad. Sure signs of failure include any noticeable cracks, holes, or coolant leaks. If your hoses are stiff, brittle, or swollen and spongy, it’s also time to replace them. Other signs of damaged hoses may be low coolant level, crusting at the ends of the hoses from seeping coolant, or engine overheating.
Damage factors
The most notorious cause for radiator hose failure is heat. Fluctuations in temperature from the engine bay and hot coolant that runs through stock rubber hoses can compromise their integrity over time as they dry, crack, and rupture as a result. Oil contact from other nearby components also causes the rubber material to degrade, leading the hoses to swell and eventually burst. Even without external factors, rubber eventually loses its ability to accommodate for pressure changes within the hoses as they become inflexible over time.
Silicone hoses
Because replacing your radiator hoses is unavoidable, HPS has taken the opportunity to offer silicone based hoses as an upgraded alternative to the stock parts. Although these replacements cost more, silicone hoses have several advantages over rubber. One being its ability to withstand continued exposure to high temperatures. Secondly, they are more durable and last longer as they don’t dry out or crack over time. These hoses can come in various colors to add a visual “pop” to your engine bay rather than the boring black rubber material. However, one thing to note is that these silicone hoses have a higher permeability rate that requires you to regularly check your vehicle’s coolant level.
Road trip checklist
At this point, performing a general checkup on your decade old Toyota Sienna before a road trip is a good idea. Checking the car battery to make sure your engine will start is also important. Inspecting belts and hoses will ensure your systems are working properly. Replacing your dirty engine air filter will help with maintaining power and fuel efficiency. Topping off various fluids such as coolant, engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid is pivotal. Inspecting your tires for air and tread conditions are essential to ensuring both safety and convenience on the road.
Avoid the nightmare of having to pull to the side of the road when your engine is compromised due to a failed coolant hose. Replacing old rubber radiator hoses with fresh silicone hoses is an upgrade that will give you peace of mind when taking your family on vacation. There’s already a lot that needs to be taken into consideration when traveling with loved ones so having your van run at its best is vital in getting to your destination and back without worry.
What we offer
If you are looking to revamp the radiator hoses on your 2011-2016 Toyota Sienna 3.5L, we offer our 57-2101 HPS Performance Silicone Radiator Hose kit in your choice of black, red, or blue. This upper and lower radiator hose set is made with high heat resistant silicone that can withstand temperatures up to 350F and integrates 3 layers of woven polyester for long-lasting durability. Included in the kit are our signature stainless steel embossed clamps that effectively seal your hoses without cutting or damaging the silicone material. Eliminate the need to replace your hoses every few years and give your van something that will last until the end.
Need a new engine air filter? Check out our HPS Performance Drop-In Air Filter for your Toyota Sienna!
April 21, 2024 2 min read
February 16, 2023 3 min read
Read MoreSign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …