Rubber brake hoses have been standard for decades, but braided brake lines have been steadily gaining in popularity as a more durable alternative. Rubber is effective enough, but repetitive expansion under pressure can stretch it over time and weaken its performance.
Stainless steel brake lines, on the other hand, strengthen and protect an interior Teflon hose by wrapping it in braided steel. This is much more resilient than standard rubber, especially with a PVC protective coating on the outside to prevent abrasion.
If you’re in the market for new brake lines and thinking about switching from rubber to braided stainless steel, you’ve come to the right place. This blog will tell you why braided brake hoses are the best choice for your vehicle, and where you can buy them from.
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Why buy braided brake lines?
A braided brake hose has many advantages over other materials. Here are some of the benefits that make braided brake lines a worthwhile investment:
- Durability
Rubber is more susceptible to wear, whether it’s from exposure to water and oils, abrasion, or road debris. When a thermoplastic tube is shielded by braided steel, the hard-wearing metal makes sure that the hose resists physical damage and lasts for a long time.
- Performance
No more mushy-feeling brakes when your rubber brake hose wears out – the highly resistant stainless steel maintains brake responsiveness for consistent performance over a longer period. You won’t feel braided brake lines slowly degrading into sponginess.
- Pressure resistance
Part of its enhanced durability and performance depends on the higher pressure resistance of a braided steel brake hose. The steel sheath prevents the inner hose from ballooning, keeping its expansion under control so it doesn’t stretch too much and weaken.
- Appearance
Many people take pride in the appearance of their vehicle, so the aesthetics of brake hoses do matter – even if they’re secondary to the practical aspects. Braided brake lines simply look better, with a clean finish available in a variety of custom colourways.
- Efficiency
Flexible braided brake hoses are easy to work with, whether installing or repairing them. They require relatively little maintenance, meaning you’ll spend less time at the garage and more time on the road, enjoying the improved driving experience.
Where to buy braided brake hoses
It’s inevitable for rubber brake hoses to fail eventually, and when that time comes, why replace them with more rubber when you could upgrade? Now that your mind is made up about buying braided brake lines, you can browse online to find stockists near you.
Most garages will carry them, and likely offer installation services for an additional fee. You can also order braided brake hoses online along with end fittings, that you can then assemble yourself at home. You’ll have the freedom to choose the colour and finish you prefer.
It’s best to buy your brake hoses from a trusted supplier, such as a well-known brand or brake hose specialist, to be sure of their quality. Then you can say goodbye to lacklustre performance and looks, and say hello to increased braking power and control with your new braided hoses.
