While often unnoticed, exhaust hoses can become damaged or fail by a number of things including installation practices, assembly processes, maintenance, inspections, components, or usage. An exhaust hose has a lifespan of at least 10 years, to ensure you get the most usage, implement these seven practices.
Essential Maintenance Practices
1. Select the correct size
If your exhaust hose is not sized accurately you will run into temperature issues that can shorten the life of an exhaust hose.
When the I.D. is too small, friction from the large volume of vehicle exhaust will increase the temperature. When temperatures increase, pressure decreases. Excessive heat or can cause the hose to become brittle/hard, reduce flexibility, build-up static electricity, create discoloration, or result in cracks.
If the hose is not long enough, it loses the ability to contract and expand causing excess stress on the fittings or hose reinforcement.
Suitable I.D. sizes for general applications are:
2" - Small cars and motorcycles
|
4" - Large gas cars/ gas or light diesel
|
2.5" - Average size cars
|
5" - Large gas or diesel trucks
|
3 and 3.5" - Average size gas cars/ light trucks
|
6" - Large diesel trucks
|
2. Conduct regular inspections
Frequently checking garage exhaust hoses for leaks, kinks, abrasions, and tears allows technicians to catch damages before hose failure and prevents the contaminated air that is being passed-through from entering the work area.
3. Store hoses properly
Garage exhaust hoses should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent kinking, humidity damage, weathering, etc. Storing hoses near heat, in direct sunlight, or close to electrical equipment creates a high risk for damages.
4. Inspect exhaust hose components
Check fittings for signs of leaking, corrosion, or looseness, and replace them immediately to prevent hose failure or damage to the hose.
5. Understand the limits
Every exhaust hose has PSI, fluid compatibility, and temperature limits. If you exceed limits, overwork a hose, or pass incompatible fluids through, the results can range from tearing to bursting, deterioration, swelling or splitting, possible bodily damage, and slower work production rates.
6. Natural installation
During installation, allow garage exhaust hoses to naturally bend and twist.
7. Crushproof or wire reinforced?
Utilizing exhaust hoses that are made for your application will unmistakably lengthen the lifespan.
Wire-reinforced hoses are best for hose reel applications but because of their wire reinforcement should not be left on the floor. If they are stepped on or run over they will be crushed and no longer usable.
Crushproof exhaust hoses are ideal for floor applications because they can be continually run over and stepped on and will retain their shape. Crushproof is not ideal for reel applications due to their flexibility which prevents them from holding their shape while on the reel.
Choosing a garage exhaust hose requires a working knowledge of airflow rates, exhaust temperatures, and static pressure restrictions. The Crushproof-Hose team can assist with the temperature, diameter, length of hose needed, and tailpipe adapter to meet your application requirements. Our specialists are here to answer any questions and provide assistance with your custom garage exhaust removal system.
You may also like:
• Why Are Crushproof Hoses Better?
• Choose The Right Exhaust Hose in 5 Steps
• Choosing a Tailpipe Adapter