Silicone tape can be a lifesaver, but it's definitely more of a temporary fix than a permanent solution. I've used it a couple times myself, and here's what I've found:
- It holds up way better than duct tape under heat and pressure—no sticky mess.
- Great for sealing leaks temporarily until you can get proper repairs done.
- But over time, especially with constant heat cycles and vibration, it tends to degrade or loosen up.
"All I had on hand was duct tape—big mistake."
Yeah, been there too... learned the hard way that duct tape and hot engine parts don't mix. If you're looking for something more reliable long-term, I'd suggest keeping a spare hose or at least some hose clamps and a small length of universal radiator hose in your trunk. It's cheap insurance and saves headaches down the road.
Totally agree silicone tape beats duct tape hands down for quick fixes, but I wonder how reliable even a spare hose would be if you're dealing with an older cooling system? I've seen cases where the radiator itself was so corroded or clogged that swapping hoses didn't really solve the overheating issue. Maybe it's worth checking the radiator condition more regularly, especially before long trips...? Just thinking out loud here, vintage rides can be unpredictable sometimes.
Good point about the radiator. I've had a couple older cars myself, and hoses were rarely the main culprit when overheating kicked in. Usually, it was buildup inside the radiator or even a tired water pump. Regular radiator flushes and inspections definitely saved me from roadside headaches more than once. Silicone tape is great for quick fixes, but you're right—it's no substitute for proper maintenance checks, especially before hitting the road for a long haul. Vintage rides can be finicky, but staying ahead of cooling system issues makes a huge difference. Good thinking bringing this up.
I've definitely been there with overheating issues on older cars. Had an '89 Accord that gave me fits on a long trip once. Thought I'd checked everything, but overlooked the thermostat—turned out it was sticking closed intermittently. Learned the hard way that thermostats are cheap enough to replace proactively every few years, especially if you're budget-conscious like me and can't afford surprise tow bills.
Also, I'd suggest keeping a basic emergency kit in the trunk: gallon of distilled water, spare hose clamps, silicone tape (like you mentioned), and maybe even a spare belt. Saved my bacon more than once when something minor went wrong in the middle of nowhere. Vintage cars are great, but they teach you quickly that preventive maintenance and being prepared for small roadside fixes can save a lot of money and headaches down the line.
Good points, especially about the thermostat—had one fail on me once and it was a nightmare. Couple other things I'd add from experience:
- Check your radiator cap regularly. Had one lose pressure on a long drive and it caused overheating issues that drove me nuts until I figured it out. Cheap fix, easy to overlook.
- Keep an eye on your fan clutch (if your car has one). Had mine go weak gradually, didn't notice until I was stuck in traffic on a hot day... not fun.
- Agree on the emergency kit, but I'd toss in a small fire extinguisher too. Older wiring and fuel lines can get sketchy fast, and it's better to have one and never need it than the alternative.
Vintage rides are awesome, but they definitely keep you on your toes.
