12 Types of Hoses in a Car: Uses, Materials and Standards

You will find many types of oils and gases in engine of a car. These fluids & vapors actually keep your vehicle system functional in a proper way.

Engineers created pipes to transport these substances between the car engine and its different parts. We call those pipes automotive hoses. So today, we will discuss types of hoses in cars and how you can select the perfect hose for your vehicle.

Common Types of Automotive Hoses

1. Car Fuel Hoses

Fuel hoses are flexible and rigid tubes that carry fuel from the gas tank to the vehicle engine or fuel pump. The fuel tank is located away from the hot engine, so these hoses create a safe and sealed path for gasoline or diesel to reach the engine for combustion.

Automotive fuel hoses are commonly made from fuel-resistant materials such as synthetic rubber (NBR), FKM, nylon, or PTFE. You should not use standard silicone hose to carry gasoline, diesel, or oil. For applications requiring high-temperature performance and fuel resistance, a specially engineered hose with a fluorosilicone or fluorocarbon liner can be used.

SAE J30 covers fuel, oil, and emission hoses used with gasoline, diesel fuel, oil, and related vapors.

• Low-pressure fuel hose: They are used to transport fuel in low-pressure systems like carbureted vehicles. They can handle pressure levels between 0 and 50 psi.
• High-pressure fuel hose: These pipes are used in EFI systems to carry fuel at pressures of 30 to 100 psi.
• Fuel injection hose: You will find them in modern vehicle engines where they transport fuel under high pressure & heat.
• Submersible fuel hose: This pipe can carry fuel inside and also stay fully exposed to fuel on the outside.
• EVAP hose: In a car, this tube moves fuel vapors from the fuel tank to the EVAP unit. The system then stores and sends those vapors to the engine to burn them instead of releasing them into the air.

2. Power Steering Hose

It is a hydraulic hose that is used to transport high-pressure steering fluid from the power steering pump to the steering system. This tube can carry steering fluid at different pressures, so you can turn the steering wheel more easily.

Manufacturers mostly use oil-resistant synthetic rubber, fiber, or braided nylon for production of these hydraulic tubes.

• High-pressure power steering hose: This hose carries steering fluid under high pressure. Depending on the hose design and vehicle specification, a high-pressure power steering hose is rated for working pressures up to 1500 psi approximately.
• Low-pressure power steering return line hose: The function of this pipe is to transport steering fluid back to the reservoir at lower pressure/temperature.

3. Car Brake Hose

There is no doubt the most important part of a vehicle control and braking system is brake hoses. Automotive engineers install them in cars to transfer brake fluid between the brake lines and wheel cylinders. You will notice crimped ends on brake hoses, which keep them tightly connected to their fittings.

These pipes are made of flexible material, so they can move with the wheels & suspension. The major purpose of brake hoses is to handle high pressure if you press the brake pedal.

Note: Brake hoses must be compatible with the specified brake fluid and remain flexible as the suspension and steering move. Brake fluid can absorb moisture and become contaminated over time. But the hose itself can also deteriorate from cracking, bulging, abrasion, leakage, or damaged fittings. If you notice any of these signs or a soft brake pedal, we recommend you have the brake hose inspected and replace it according to the vehicle manufacturer’s service information.

SAE J1401 specifies performance requirements and tests for hydraulic brake hose assemblies used with non-petroleum-based brake fluids. In the United States, FMVSS No. 106 also sets labeling and performance requirements for brake hoses, assemblies & end fittings.

4. Coolant Hoses/Car Cooling Hoses

You definitely need to install a tube-like coolant hose to carry coolant between the engine, radiator, water pump and other parts. They are mostly made of rubber or silicone. A coolant bypass hose is also used to keep coolant circulating inside the engine if the thermostat is closed. Below are other main types of cooling hose.

SAE J20 covers reinforced and flexible hoses used in water- and ethylene-glycol-based engine-coolant systems.

How many radiator hoses are there? Common types of radiator pipes are upper radiator hoses and lower radiator hoses.

How many heater hoses are in a car? Mainly, you will see two heater hoses in your car. These include heater outlet hose and heater inlet hose.

What hoses are connected to the radiator? You can connect the vehicle radiator to an upper radiator hose at the top and a lower radiator hose at the bottom. In many automatic vehicles, you will also find a radiator pipe linked to two transmission cooler lines.

5. Compressed Air Hose

This flexible tube is used in cars to carry pressurized air between different components. You can use it to support systems such as air suspension, pneumatic locks, air compressor and pneumatic tools. These pipes are made of reinforced plastic, polyamide or rubber.

Ideally, you can install a compressed air hose to handle air for systems such as air suspension or air brakes. Further, you can use this pipe to connect an air compressor to tools or equipment during maintenance.

6. Car A/C Hoses

The job of air conditioning hoses is to deliver refrigerant & oil between the main parts of a vehicle’s air conditioning system. These components include compressor, condenser, evaporator and expansion valve. A/C tubes are able to handle high pressure or vibration and prevent leaks. It means they keep the refrigerant sealed inside as well.

As a result, the automobile A/C will be able to produce cold air. In contrast, a damaged hose can cause refrigerant loss and make your A/C blow warm air. Automotive A/C hoses use low-permeation barrier construction and must be compatible with the specified refrigerant and system lubricant. SAE J3062 covers automotive refrigerant A/C hose requirements, while SAE J2064 covers coupled automotive refrigerant A/C hose assemblies.

7. Car Vacuum Hose

It is a rubber or silicone vacuum pipeline that is present in vehicles (most gasoline cars) to transport engine vacuum to different vehicle systems. The main purpose is to operate and control different vehicle parts.

These include emission systems, PCV valve, EGR valve, brake booster & HVAC controls. Automotive vacuum hoses are designed to maintain their shape under negative pressure and resist heat, ozone, and engine-compartment exposure. Their exact vacuum, temperature, and pressure ratings depend on the hose construction and application.

Vacuum hoses are strong enough to maintain their shape and control leakage in case exposed to the heat from the engine. 

• Note: In 1980s to 1990s, engineers designed cars with many more vacuum hoses as compared to modern vehicles. Today, manufacturers use simple systems, so you will find fewer vacuum hoses in current gasoline cars.

8. Car Washer Hose

A windshield washer hose is a small, low-pressure plastic or rubber tube that carries washer fluid from the reservoir and washer pump to the windshield washer nozzles. A cracked, blocked, or disconnected washer hose may cause weak spraying, fluid leaks, or complete loss of washer function.

9. Transmission and Engine Oil Cooler Hoses

Transmission cooler hoses carry automatic transmission fluid (ATF) between the transmission and an external or integrated transmission cooler. Their main purpose is to help remove heat from the transmission fluid and maintain the proper operating temperature of the transmission system.

Engine oil cooler hoses perform a similar function by carrying engine oil between the engine and an oil cooler. These hoses must be compatible with the oil or transmission fluid they carry and withstand the temperatures, pressure, vibration, and conditions found in the engine compartment.

Transmission oil cooler hoses are commonly made with oil-resistant synthetic rubber and reinforcement materials. SAE J1532 covers hoses intended for automatic transmission cooling system applications, including original-equipment/replacement and auxiliary cooler applications.

10. Crankcase Ventilation Hose

The function of a crankcase ventilation hose is to remove unwanted gases and pressure from the engine crankcase. Then, it sends these gases back into the engine’s intake system, where the engine can burn them.

This process keeps pressure under control and reduces harmful emissions. It is also known as PCV or breather hose. A cracked or blocked tube can cause oil leaks, rough engine operation or poor performance.

Fact: In case a crankcase ventilation hose or PCV valve becomes blocked, this situation will lead to moisture build up in the engine oil. It can create a milky or foamy residue around the oil filler cap and valve cover.

11. Turbocharger Hose & Intercooler Hoses

Turbocharger and intercooler hoses are used in car systems to create a link between turbocharger, intercooler plus engine intake system. Basically, they move compressed air through the system.

Due to this process, the engine of your vehicle will get more air for combustion. Engineers use special rubber, silicone or elastomer materials to manufacture these pipes. Hence, they can handle high pressure and heat from the turbocharger.

12. Air Intake Hoses

Air intake hoses are installed to transfer clean air from the air filter to the automobile engine. After that, the engine mixes this air with fuel and burns the mixture to produce power. They help maintain the intended airflow path between the air filter and engine intake system.

A damaged air intake hose can allow unmetered air or contaminants to enter the intake system. This causes poor engine performance, warning lights, increased fuel consumption and unstable idling. It is commonly available in rubber and plastic materials. If this conduit gets damaged or develops leaks due to some reasons, it will reduce automobile performance and affect fuel efficiency too.

Materials Used in Manufacturing of Car Hoses

Fact: According to latest findings, rubber, thermoplastic and silicone hoses are in high demand for EV thermal systems and premium vehicles.

How You Can Choose the Right Hose For Your Car?

Your Car’s Make and Model: Professional advice to use the exact year, make, model, engine size and trim to find the correct hose.

Hose Type & Size: You should always select a hosepipe based on its job, such as fuel, coolant, brake, A/C or vacuum service. Also match the inner diameter/outer diameter and length with the original hose.

Pressure and Temperature Rating: You must make sure the tube can handle the working pressure of your car’s system and safely handle the heat in its installation area.

Hose Material: Always select rubber, plastic, metal or silicone reinforced hose based on the fluid, heat and pressure you need to handle in your vehicle.

Fluid Compatibility: Never forget to confirm if flexible tube material can safely handle fuel, coolant, oil, brake fluid, refrigerant or other fluids.

Hose Fittings: We recommend that you to check the pipe ends, connectors, clamps and fittings to match them with your car’s existing parts.

Sensor connection: Some hoses have sensor ports or special connection points that connect to pressure & temperature sensors. So, you need to analyze the old tube in your automobile and vehicle specifications to make sure the replacement hose has the same ports, fittings plus connection points.

OEM Part Number: It’s also a good practice to compare tubes with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part number. So you can purchase a fit & compatible tube.

Follow Vehicle Standards: For safety-related hoses, you should confirm the required SAE, DOT or vehicle parts specifications.

Conclusion

Are you an automotive parts distributor or B2B buyer and are you looking for a professional car hose manufacturer? If yes, then RONTEIX is your perfect business partner. You will get a complete range of aftermarket car hoses at factory price.

We also offer OEM & ODM services, so you can order customized automotive hoses. Talk to our team and share your requirements. We will deliver your order to your desired location as soon as possible.

FAQs

How Many Hoses Are in a Car?

In a standard modern car, you will roughly find 10 to 20 flexible hoses. However, old model vehicles can have more tubes. So the exact number of hoses in a car is based on vehicle’s engine, features & emission system.

Which Cars Use LPG Hoses?

LPG hoses are used in motor vehicles that run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or Autogas. You can find them in factory built LPG vehicles as well as petrol cars that have been converted to run on LPG.

When To Replace Hoses on a Car?

You need to replace car coolant tubes and heater hoses every 4 to 10 years. Plus, you should inspect brake hoses regularly and change them after 2 to 5 years. Our recommendation is to replace any hose right away if you notice leaks, cracks, bulges or a damaged surface.

How Do I Know If My Coolant Hose is Bad?

To identify if your car’s coolant hose is bad, you can look for cracks, bulges or a soft and spongy feel when the tube is cold. Other symptoms of faulty coolant tubes are coolant leaks, crusty residue around the clamps, a sweet smell or engine overheating.

Do Electric Cars Have Coolant Hoses?

Yes, electric cars have coolant hoses. Most EVs use liquid cooling to circulate water glycol coolant through the battery, motor plus power electronics. So, you will find rubber or synthetic hoses in these cars that carry coolant between components.

How To Check Hoses on a Car?

To check your automobile hoses, you need to make sure the engine is completely cold. Then you can inspect the radiator, heater or vacuum hoses for cracks, bulges, leaks or oil. Now, you can gently squeeze each hose. A good hose should feel firm and flexible (not mushy or hard).