What does a fuel hose do?

A fuel hose, or fuel line, is made of a braided, reinforced rubber and rapidly transfers fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. It is designed to withstand the pressure of modern fuel delivery systems and is resilient to the heat and compact design of the engine unit.

A failing or split fuel hose can have serious and dangerous consequences for you, your car and your passengers. Not only can a leaking hose ruin your fuel efficiency and increase the cost of running your vehicle, it can potentially leak highly flammable fuel directly onto your engine. A blocked hose can deprive your engine of fuel, which can lead to very expensive or even irreparable engine failure.

Suzuki

The Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive and motorcycle manufacturer, established in 1909, over 100 years ago.

How popular is Suzuki in the United Kingdom?

Possibly better known as a leading motorcycle manufacturer, the cars from this marque are becoming a well-known household name in UK motoring. The Suzuki Swift and Suzuki Vitara have made a real impact on UK drivers, being responsible for over half of the 408k Suzuki models on the roads today.

Good value small city cars and SUV driving

Suzuki’s success has been dependent on their provision of small, well-priced cars that offer excellent value and good fuel economy. They offer a selection of city cars and small hatchbacks, with added hybrid fuel options for green drivers and those who want further economy from their motoring.

It’s possibly the Vitara, Ignis and the SX4 S-Cross SUV and crossover models that are making the most impact for this brand, despite not achieving quite the same impressive sales figures as the Swift.

Suzuki provides great technology for budget brand cars

For cars at their price-point, Suzuki crams in a lot of tech. The Vitara, for example, comes with Suzuki’s Boosterjet turbocharged engine and Allgrip 4-wheel drive system for performance, and a host of additional technology for drivability.

It also incorporates driver assistance features such as a lane departure warning that includes visual signals and a vibrating steering wheel, cruise control and fully integrated smartphone connectivity—features you’d tend to expect to find on much higher priced vehicles.

The Suzuki SHVS hybrid system

In the current climate where ecology and green motoring has become prevalent, the ‘Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki’ advanced driving system reduces CO2 emissions and lowers your running costs. What Suzuki has done here, is create a lighter and smaller system than the standard hybrid arrangement. Combine that with their cars’ lightweight chassis and nimble performance, and the efficiency becomes even more impressive.

How often should a fuel hose need replacing?

A fuel hose replacement shouldn’t be part of regular car maintenance. These hoses can last anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 miles depending on what they are made of and how often you use your car. If you keep your vehicle well-maintained and use high-quality parts, your fuel hoses could last years.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

Any fuel leak will result in an instant MOT failure. Be sure to check for any signs of leaks under your car before the test and have your car inspected or serviced if you suspect there may be an issue with your fuel system.

What happens when we do a fuel hose replacement on your car?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the entire fuel system for any issues

• Remove the fuel cap

• If necessary, they will remove the defective fuel hose

• The new fuel hose is installed

• Refit the gas cap and start the engine to check for fuel leaks

• Test drive the car and check the entire fuel system for leaks

What causes a fuel hose to break?

Fuel hoses are in constant use and must function under high pressures and high temperatures. Despite being designed to withstand these conditions, the hoses can crack and split as they become worn over time. As fuel leaks can potentially be very dangerous, it’s important to be extra vigilant of this issue and have it inspected if you notice any of the symptoms below.

When should a fuel hose be replaced?

A fuel hose replacement shouldn’t be part of regular car maintenance. These hoses can last anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 miles depending on what they are made of and how often you use your car. If you keep your vehicle well-maintained and use high-quality parts, your fuel hoses could last years.

What are the signs of a bad fuel hose?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• Fuel smell in your car

• Visible cracks on the fuel hose

• Visible fuel leaks - either small drips or puddles under your car. Learn more about fluid leaks here

• Your car starts hard or not at all

How often should you replace your fuel hose?

Typically fuel hoses can last anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 miles depending on what they are made of and how often you use your car. If you keep your vehicle well-maintained and use high-quality parts, your fuel hoses could last years.

What happens during a fuel hose replacement?

During the repair our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the entire fuel system for any issues

• Remove the fuel cap

• If necessary, they will remove the defective fuel hose

• The new fuel hose is installed

• Refit the gas cap and start the engine to check for fuel leaks

• Test drive the car and check the entire fuel system for leaks

What is the average life of a fuel hose?

The lifespan of a fuel hose will depend on the quality of the parts, the driving conditions and how frequently you use your car. Typically they can last anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 miles. If you keep your vehicle well-maintained and use high-quality parts, your fuel hoses could last years.

Can you drive with a broken fuel hose?

Do not drive if you suspect your fuel hose is broken or leaking. A failing or split fuel hose can have serious and dangerous consequences for you, your car and your passengers. Not only can a leaking hose ruin your fuel efficiency and increase the cost of running your vehicle, it can potentially leak highly flammable fuel directly onto your engine. A blocked hose can deprive your engine of fuel, which can lead to very expensive or even irreparable engine failure.