By Introduction
Automobile hoses come in several types, each having a specific function to keep the automobile running smoothly. These hoses are found in the following areas under the hood:
Radiator
Heater
Automatic transmission systems
Fuel and emission systems
Brake systems
Lubrication systems
Air-conditioning systems
Each hose differ in terms of its ability to conduct heat, withstand pressure, and ability to handle corrosion.
Difference in Appearance
Appearance wise, automotive hoses may be straight or bend. Fuel hose, vacuum hose, and heater hose are straight hoses, and kinks on bending far enough. Most other hose types are curved.
Bend hoses come in two major types:
By vulcanising the rubber and curing it in the required shape.
Clamping on one end of the hose and bending until it assumes the desired shape. Such hoses have metal wires inside to prevent kinking.
Each hose fulfills specific purposes, and as such cannot be interchanged, even when two different types of hoses look alike, and are of the same size.
Difference in Characteristics
Most automotive hoses consist of an inner rubber tube through which the liquid pass, a reinforcement to protect the tube, and an outer rubber cover, all bonded by adhesives. Different hoses have different tubes and cover, and come with various levels of reinforcement.
Most hoses come with reinforced rubber, for added strength. Fuel hoses, used in fuel delivery systems, have metal tubing to resist abrasion and oil, and withstand high temperature. Fuel injection hoses are designed for higher pressure, with a burst strength of more than 900 psi. Transmission oil cooler hose come designed to withstand constant temperature and pressure, of around 300°F and 450 psi.
Certain type of hoses, such as vacuum hoses, windshield washer hose, drain hose, with come with unreinforced rubber, as it undergoes relatively lesser strain, compared to hoses in the line of other applications. Using a wrong hose can cause a fire or other serious issues, and in most cases engine damage as well. As such, inspect all hoses regularly. Check if the hose has hardened with age, or is developing leaks, and replace the required hoses promptly.
