Rubber components like seals, hoses and gaskets play an essential role in maintaining the reliability and efficiency of your vehicle’s systems. Using quality automotive rubber products is key to maximizing vehicle performance.
Automotive Rubber Seals
Rubber seals help form leak-proof barriers between moving parts and external environments:
- O-ring seals – Provide static sealing in oil pans, covers and connectors.
- Gaskets – Prevent fluid leaks between mating surfaces like engine and transmission covers.
- Oil seals – Separate the engine from the transmission or axles.
- Roof seals – Prevent water, dust and air leaks around doors, windows and roof joints.
Quality rubber seals feature:
- Appropriate durometer hardness – The rating that indicates material hardness. Different applications require different hardnesses.
- Chemical compatibility – Resistance to fuels, smeermiddels, coolants and other automotive chemicals.
- Duorsumens – Long lifespan without deterioration, cracking or compression set.
- Heat ferset – Ability to withstand high temperatures within an engine bay.
Seal failure can cause fluid leaks, reduced fuel economy, air leaks into the cabin and oil contamination. Regularly inspecting and replacing worn seals helps maintain performance and extend component life.
Automotive Fuel Hose
Fuel hoses deliver gasoline from the gas tank to the engine:
- High-pressure fuel line – Connects fuel pump to injectors with a higher pressure rating.
- Low-pressure fuel line – Connects fuel tank to fuel pump at a lower pressure.
Proper automotive fuel hose is formulated to:
- Withstand gasoline and ethanol blends – Resist corrosion and swelling from contact with fuel.
- Meet pressure requirements – High pressure or low pressure as needed.
- Tolerate heat – Withstand temperatures up to 250°F within an engine bay.
- Provide longevity – Last the lifespan of the vehicle with proper hose clamps.
Fuel hose leaks can cause driveability issues, reduced fuel economy, hard starting and even stalling. Replacing cracked or hardened fuel hoses before leaks occur can prevent expensive repairs.
