A brake hose is a flexible conduit used in your car or motorcycle’s braking system.
They’re commonly made of rubber or stainless steel and are what allow you to engage your brakes and bring your vehicle to a safe stop.
Search ‘brake hose’ and a product that often pops up is braided brake lines. But what are they? And how do they compare to standard, rubber brake hoses?
Everything you need to know is outlined in this article.
What is a braided brake hose?
Braided brake hoses, or braided brake lines, play an integral role in your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system.
They carry fluid and need to be able to do this quickly and reliably – otherwise, braking performance could be impaired or even fail.
Braided brake hoses, or brake lines, provide unmatched strength and flexibility, allowing for much better performance.
They can fit into any vehicle’s brake system – car, quadbike, motorcycle etc – and offer an effective and durable solution. Which is why they’re often found in vehicles used for motorsports, including world-famous Formula One, NASCAR and motorcycle racing.
How do they compare to rubber brake lines?
When looking to replace your brake hose, stainless steel brake lines are often put up against standard, rubber brake hoses.
They all do the same job, but unlike a rubber brake hose, a braided hose is usually made from Teflon or polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), with an outer shell of stainless-steel wire – meaning they’re stronger and much more durable than their rubber counterparts.
What are the benefits?
Aside from their different materials, stainless steel braided brake lines offer countless benefits that make them the superior choice compared to other options, including:
- They’re much more reliable
Manufactured from some of the most hard-wearing materials, stainless steel brake hoses are far less likely to suffer from tube expansion, leaks and other wear-and-tear-related damages.
They’re also highly resistant to corrosion, so regardless of the weather – or road surface – your vehicle is exposed to, you can be confident of efficient brake fluid transfer for many years to come.
- They perform better
Over time and with extensive use, rubber brake lines are prone to swelling, but braided brake hoses can withstand the high pressures associated with your vehicle’s braking system without swelling.
As a result, their lifespan is prolonged, meaning you can enjoy their benefits for much longer, too!
- They’re more customisable
If aesthetics are important to you when it comes to your vehicle, then you’ll definitely want to look into installing braided brake lines.
Not only do they boost performance and last longer, but they also look better too.
Standard rubber brake hoses don’t make for a particularly attractive accessory, but with stainless steel brake lines, you can match its colour and finish to the rest of your bodywork – creating a look you can take pride in.
Purchase high-quality braided brake hoses online
When investing in braided brake lines, it’s always best to purchase from a provider you know you can trust – whether it be a well-known supplier or an established brake hose specialist.
Most garages will carry them and be happy to install them for you for an additional fee – or you can order them online (along with the appropriate fittings) and install them yourself at home.
Still not sold on stainless-steel brake lines?
Why not get in touch with a flexible hose specialists, such as Brake Quip, for more guidance and advice – they’d be more than happy to answer any of your questions and provide their expert recommendations!
