What Causes Brake Lines To Fail?
Brake system failure can be a heart-stopping event if you're driving. That's why it's important to maintain your brakes, including changing your pads, rotors, and brake fluid, as recommended by your vehicle's service schedule. However, one area that often gets overlooked is the brake lines, which can sometimes fail on even the most well-maintained brake systems.
In this article we'll explore the various factors that can contribute to brake line failure, both external and internal, shedding light on the importance of regular inspections and maintenance.
External Factors
Several external factors can cause wear on your brake lines, causing them to corrode or break. The most common causes are the following:
Weather Conditions
Extreme weather conditions, such as intense heat or freezing temperatures, can impact the integrity of brake lines. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures may cause the lines to deteriorate and become more prone to failure. Likewise, freezing temperatures can lead to the contraction of brake lines, resulting in reduced flexibility and potential cracking. Cold-weather areas that see constant use of road salt may see accelerated deterioration of brake lines.
Age Or Wear And Tear
Brake lines endure constant stress during normal vehicle operation. Over time, this stress can lead to wear and tear, causing the lines to weaken or develop small cracks. More frequent brake usage, especially on short trips, in stop-and-go traffic, or in hilly terrain, can accelerate this deterioration.
Off-Road Use
In addition to weather and wear and tear, off-road vehicles face additional risks of brake line damage. Rough terrain, rocks, branches, and debris can impact the vehicle's underside, causing abrasion, bends, punctures, or even complete breakage of the brake lines. That's why it is essential to inspect brake lines in off-road vehicles after any adventuring as to reduce these risks.
Internal Factors
In addition to external environmental factors, there are internal factors that can cause wear on your brake lines, causing them to corrode or break, including:
Poor Quality Construction
Brake lines that are poorly constructed or manufactured using subpar materials may have inherent weaknesses. These weaknesses can manifest as premature corrosion, brittleness, or susceptibility to damage from normal wear and tear. It is crucial to choose reputable brands and ensure proper installation of brake lines to minimize the risk of failure.
Brake Line Contaminants
Contaminants, such as water, dirt, salt, or other corrosive substances, can infiltrate the brake system and affect the integrity of brake lines. Over time, these contaminants can cause rust, corrosion, or clogging, compromising the functionality of the brake lines and potentially leading to failure.
Brake Fluid Breakdown
Brake fluid plays a vital role in the brake system by transmitting force from the pedal to the brake lines. However, brake fluid is subject to natural breakdown over time due to its exposure to heat and moisture. As the fluid degrades, it can become acidic and accelerate corrosion within the brake lines, increasing the risk of failure.
Replacement Brake Lines From LinesToGo
LinesToGo has the quality brake lines you need for just about any vehicle. Each line is pre-bent, using CNC precision bending to ensure they match the shape of the original fuel line. You'll never have to modify, reshape or force your new lines into place. Our lines are made from 304L stainless steel or Galfan® coated steel (learn more about Galfan® here) to meet or exceed OE specifications and quality.
If you have questions or need help with your order, give us a call to speak to our lines experts, or contact us online today.
