If you own a car, van, motorcycle or any other motor powered vehicle that makes use of a hydraulic braking system, you may be aware that your brake hoses should be regularly inspected and replaced every few years.

But what exactly are brake hoses? What are they for, how do they work and why do they need such careful attention?

In this article, the team at BrakeQuip – a group of specialist vehicular mechanics and engineers who have been UK leaders of brake line and power steering tube production for many years – explain what brake hoses are used for and why they are so important for safe driving.

The Purpose of Brake Hoses

A brake hose is a vital element of a vehicle’s hydraulic braking system. This type of system sees force transferred from the brake pedal (in a car or van) to the vehicle’s brake pads in order to bring them into contact with the rotor – a slotted disc that is connected to the wheel. 

This prevents the wheel from turning and stops the vehicle.

This transfer of force from pedal to pad is achieved via a special type of fluid. This hydraulic fluid travels through your vehicle’s brake lines, and must be able to maintain a certain level of pressure.

Because of this, if there is a bulge or rupture in your brake line, the fluid inside will not be able to reach the right level of pressure and your brakes will not operate as effectively.

This can lead to serious problems on the road – both for yourself and other drivers around you.

What to Do if There is a Problem with my Brake Hoses

Your brake hoses should last for up to six years with no problems – although if you do a great deal of driving, or regularly travel over rough terrain, this period may be shorter.

As soon as you notice any problems with your braking – whether you feel as if you are having to put more effort in than usual when applying your brakes, or you have noticed a bulge in the line or brake fluid leaking – then you should get your hoses replaced as soon as possible. You can search for auto front disc brake conversion kit to get complete solutions.

We highly recommend locating your nearest BrakeQuip dealer in this case. These specialists can be found all around the country and are capable of producing custom rubber brake hoses – or even stainless steel brake lines – to match the specification of your vehicle.

While rubber brake hoses are durable, flexible, popular and affordable, many drivers believe that stainless steel brake lines improve a vehicle’s performance and can withstand significant wear and tear. 

They are also available in a range of colours to add a touch of style to your vehicle’s look.

To find out more about the products available from BrakeQuip, or to ask any further questions, simply get in touch with our team today. Our highly experienced specialists will be more than happy to provide all of the help and advice you need.

Paul Petersen