Importance Of Choosing Good Quality Car Hoses

Before purchasing a hose, it is essential to learn about the types of hoses and pipes used in vehicles. Each of these hoses is engineered for specific applications, automotive fluids, and pressure ratings. Learning about the design and construction of these hoses will help you differentiate between different kinds of hoses and make an informed decision while choosing one for your vehicle. Some ‌hoses used in vehicles are as follows:

The purpose of a coolant hose is to transfer the coolant from one vehicle component to the other. Two prominent coolant hoses used in a vehicle are radiator hoses and heater hoses. Radiator hoses are further classified into upper and lower radiator hoses. The upper radiator hose transfers the hot coolant from the engine into the radiator, where it gets cooled down and is transferred back to the engine via the lower radiator hose. The heater hose transfers hot coolant away from the engine to the heater core to produce warm air which is blown into the car's interior. A heater hose is generally 12 to 19 mm in diameter and ranges from standard to heavy-duty ones. A heavy-duty hose offers good protection from abrasion, and damage and is lined with nylon chords for durability. Radiator hoses are comparatively larger, ranging from 25mm up to 70mm in diameter and some even feature springs to prevent the hose from collapsing.

Your car uses hydraulic systems for the power steering system and disc brakes. Both ‌systems require high-quality hoses that can withstand high pressure and transmit power efficiently. A power steering system has two hoses. The power steering high-pressure hose (supply hose) carries high-pressure hydraulic fluid from the power steering pump to the steering gears and the low-pressure power sterling hose (return hose) carries the fluid back from the steering gear to the pump reservoir. Similarly, brake hoses serve the purpose of transferring the brake fluid under pressure from the brake lines to the brake calipers. These hoses feature special compressed fittings that help the hose hold high pressures. High-quality hoses are also lined with braided steel between the layers to make them stiff, support high pressures and prevent flexing. One exception is the power steering return hose, which is not under much pressure and is secured using standard hose clamps.

Vehicles use vacuum hoses to route vacuum to the power brake booster, EGR valve, windshield washers, PCV valve, and to siphon fuel vapors from the evaporative emissions canister. Vacuum hoses are referred to flexible tubes that are used for transmitting vacuum power to any component of the vehicle. These hoses can handle negative pressures without collapsing and are usually rated for low-pressure values. The vacuum hose is used not only to carry air but fuel vapors as well and is made from silicone or rubber.

Your vehicle's air conditioning system uses high-pressure hoses to move the refrigerant inside the system. Like hydraulic hoses, A/C hoses are designed with special fittings and are nylon braided for strength and flexibility. Depending on the refrigerant used in a vehicle, there are two types of A/C hoses: barrier and non-barrier. Modern R134a type of refrigerant cannot be used with a non-barrier hose. If you put R134a refrigerant in a non-barrier hose, it can leak out through the hose and fittings because the molecules of R134a are smaller compared to the older R12 type of refrigerants. Barrier-type hoses also use a plastic liner to contain the refrigerant, and it is important to select the correct hose while purchasing one for your vehicle. Usually, the air conditioning hoses are provided with marking so you can figure out the type of the hose while installing.

Most auto manufacturers recommend getting your hoses checked at regular service intervals, but they do not suggest a replacement interval. Although the life of the hose depends on the mileage, kilometers driven, etc. few signs can indicate a failing hose that might need a replacement. There are several key things to look for, including stiffness, brittle texture, cracks, and bulging of the hose.

• Fuel hoses are seldom replaced and often go overlooked, but they should be replaced every five years. Over time, the fuel itself eats the hose from the inside. This can lead to small pieces falling into the fuel and contaminating the fuel injection system or your carburetor.

• Coolant hoses can be tested easily by squeezing them. The hose should feel firm and not too soft or very hard. If it feels too soft, spongy, or very hard, the coolant hose might be in a poor condition. Hardening of hoses is very common and can happen due to age and prolonged exposure to external factors like dust, oil spills, and heating and cooling cycles. Next, you should also inspect the coolant hoses with a warm engine. After driving the car, look for swollen hoses or ballooning effect. Any presence of such a symptom is a sign of a failing hose that needs to be replaced.

• Similarly, the power steering and brake hoses should also be checked for bulges, softness, and leaks. Also, check the outer layers of the hose for abrasion and physical damage. If the outer layer of the hose is damaged, the inner layer might have been exposed to heat and external elements, making them vulnerable to failure. Cracking and flaking is another sign of internal failure of the hoses, which makes them lose their ability to withstand high pressure and should be replaced. Lastly, check for signs of corrosion on the fittings. Most fittings are covered with corrosion-resistant platings or coatings, but they can get removed due to abrasion and solvents, causing the fittings to fail.

Fuel hoses are designed with different pressure ratings. In older vehicles with carburetted engines, the fuel lines are rated for low pressures because the pressure is very low between the fuel pump and the carburetor. In newer cars with fuel-injected engines, constant pressure is maintained between the fuel pump and the fuel injector supply rail on the engine. Depending on the vehicle, the fuel line pressure may vary from 45PSI to 85PSI or higher. Therefore, the fuel hoses designed for fuel-injected engines must be reinforced and made from high-grade materials such as fluoroelastomers or nitrile rubber. Some high-quality fuel hoses also feature aramid fiber reinforcement, offering a working pressure of 100PSI and a burst pressure of 900PSI. A good quality fuel hose can also withstand the chemical effects of additives used in gasoline and last a long time.

It works similarly with the power steering hose. The supply hose used in the power steering system is a high-pressure hose. This hose must be reinforced and made from materials that can withstand high pressures of up to 1000PSI or higher and the effects of power steering fluid. The hose also features special crimp fittings that can safely handle the pressure generated by the power steering pump.

Cooling systems in most vehicles are designed to operate at pressure values of 13 to 18 PSI. Even if the engine overheats, the pressure doesn't go beyond this range. The radiator cap features a spring-loaded valve that opens up when pressure exceeds a certain limit and relieves the pressure. Coolant hoses can safely handle pressures up to 30 and 40 PSI, which barely happens. The bigger concern when it comes to coolant hoses is their ability to resist deterioration, heat damage, and chemical degradation. The temperature of the coolant circulating inside the hose can reach up to 195 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit during normal operating temperatures. Therefore, it is important to use high-quality radiators hoses and heater hoses made from materials like Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). EPDM hoses can withstand high temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and they also last a long time.

Brake hoses are made from rubber and connect the steel hydraulic brake lines to the front and rear brake calipers. The brake hoses are designed to be flexible and withstand high pressures up to 3000PSI or higher. Brakes are essential to the safety of the vehicle therefore, the brake hoses are also required to meet the DOT FMVSS106 standards. They are made of several layers, including an inner layer for the brake fluid and a reinforcing layer that prevents the inner layer from expanding under pressure. Finally, an outer protective layer protects the brake hose from splash, dirt, and road salt. Purchasing quality brake hoses over cheap ones is critical for proper brake functioning and road safety. Furthermore, if you are buying brake hoses for your truck or heavy vehicle, ensure you choose the hose that meets DOT safety standards.

Hoses are the weakest components of vehicles and are made from flexible rubber compounds. They sit between various components and are subject to vibrations, fluctuating temperatures, dirt, oil, and sludge. According to engineers at Gates, a renowned auto parts manufacturer, the most common cause of hose damage is electrochemical degradation (ECD). ECD attacks the hoses from inside, leading to tiny cracks and pinholes and eventually causing the hoses to flex and weaken with time. Therefore, it is wise to choose high-quality hoses that are engineered for a specific application and fluid type. We highly recommend not purchasing cheap imitations and low-quality knockoffs just because they are available at affordable prices. A good quality hose will not only last a long time but will also prevent vehicle breakdowns and offer excellent performance throughout its service life.