Pay attention to the coolant system of your car in summer
Air brake hoses don’t last forever. Over time, they can develop issues that affect brake performance. Here are the most frequent problems to check for:
Cracks or splits in the hose
Constant exposure to road debris, extreme temperatures, and vibration can make air brake hoses crack. Small splits may start as minor leaks, but they’ll grow over time—eventually leading to brake failure. This is especially common in older heavy-duty auto brake hoses.
Leaks in the air brake system
Leaks often happen at the hose connections or where the hose rubs against other vehicle parts. You’ll notice a hissing sound when the brakes are applied, or the brake pressure gauge will drop faster than normal. Even small leaks reduce brake power, so they need fixing right away.
Brittleness or hardening of the hose
UV rays, oil, and road chemicals can break down the rubber in car brake hoses. When this happens, the hose becomes brittle and loses flexibility. A brittle hose is more likely to crack when the vehicle moves, putting you at risk on the road.
Kinks or blockages in the hose
If an air brake hose gets twisted (kinked) or clogged with dirt, compressed air can’t flow freely. This causes delayed brake response—meaning the brakes take longer to engage when you press the pedal. Kinks often happen when hoses are installed incorrectly or rub against sharp parts.
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