Ever wondered why we use ethanol in our gasoline? With ethanol in the mix, the fuel has a higher octane rating, and it also becomes more eco-friendly. But, it also takes a toll on the fuel line of our vehicles. Statistics suggest the number of fuel hose failures is on the rise since the late ‘80s when the use of ethanol in gasoline had started. To make sure your fuel line stands a better chance handling ethanol infused gasoline, you must use the best fuel line material.
This guide will explore the best fuel line material offerings in the market. We will also walk you through the process of identifying and purchasing the best material for fuel line.
Table of Contents
Best Fuel Line Material Reviews: Our Top 10 Picks
Finding the best fuel line material can always be a deal changer! A good one can last you for years without any failure. But finding one is not easy, especially for a beginner. That’s why we’ve picked 10 fuel line materials for you that are currently leading the market in terms of quality and price.
Here are the reviews:
1. Cococart Stretchy Fuel Line
Coming from prominent power supply manufacturers CocoMoCart, Cococart fuel lines are just what you need to counter the detrimental effects of ethanol. This is a great transmission path for petroleum products. It also does a more than decent job in vacuum smog control and transmitting vapor emission.
The material of this fuel line is exceptionally tolerant of ethanol and lower temperature. You might not need the entirety of the 9.8 feet long fuel line. In that case, you can just cut it to your preferred length. Upon purchasing, you also get 20 pieces of hose clamps. Each of these measures 2/5 inches in diameter.
Features
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Ideal Small Engine Fuel Transmission Design: This fuel line has been designed for smooth fluid transmission in smaller engines like bike motors, mowers, snowmobiles, etc.
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High PSI Rating: It has a pressure rating of 60 PSI (Pound per Square Inch). The premium rubber construction of this line enables it to optimally channel E85, diesel, gasoline, and bio-diesels into the engine.
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Carbon Steel Hose Clamps: Comes with 20 pieces of 2.5 inch hose clamps to secure the fuel line. These clamps are made of high-quality carbon steel and are electroplated with zinc to prevent corrosion.
Pros
- 60 PSI pressure rating and capable of withstanding temperature up to 173 degrees Fahrenheit.
- High precision carbon steel clamps.
- Easy to put on.
- Compatible with biodiesel, diesel, E85, and regular gasoline.
Cons
- The clamp size is larger than ideal.
2. Steber Nylone Tubing Fuel Line
We like Steber Nylone Tubing Fuel Lines for their diverse length and diameter options. It’s available in 5 feet and 10 feet variants. In terms of width, it ranges from 5/32 inch ID to 1 inch ID. This polyamide made tube is quite durable and makes some nice long bends while installing. The standard operating pressure for this tube is 3.4MPa, which is quite decent.
The burst pressure rating is much higher than the working pressure rating of this tube. You can expect this item to tolerate as much as 8MPa of pressure before giving up. The tube material compensates for the temperature changes inside the hood to a certain degree. Capable of accommodating high-density fuel flow through the tubes.
Features
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Multiple Length and Diameter Offerings: You can buy this tube in a variety of dimensions. So, you have the option to choose handpick the measurement combination that suits your need the best.
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High-Pressure Tolerance: In normal setting, the tube line will work in 3.4MPa of pressure. But, it will not burst until the pressure exceeds the 8MPa threshold, which is significantly high.
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High-Quality Material: The blue ribbon construction material of this fuel line makes it suitable for conveying liquids, gas, and even solids. It will perform seamlessly for years and will hold up well to temperature fluctuations.
Pros
- Multiple length and diameter options.
- High burst pressure rating.
- Creates good bends.
- Great budget option.
Cons
- A bit rigid.
3. A-Team Performance Aluminum Coiled Tubing Fuel Line Tube
For a broader tube diameter, you can keep this fuel line from A-Team Performance in consideration. It offers a 3/8 inch diameter that can remedy your engine’s fuel starvation by promoting an unrestricted fuel flow. It emphasizes on faultless fuel maintenance to keep your car engine in tiptop shape.
When it comes to durability, you won’t find many better alternatives than aluminum to shield your automobile parts. This line has an aluminum-3003 build, which gives it incredible resistance to corrosive fuel transmission. This fuel line is 25 feet long, which accounts for fantastic flexibility in application.
Feature
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Large Diameter: High-performance cars have higher fuel cravings, and to meet that you need larger fuel tube diameters. This particular fuel line measures 3/8 inches in width, which can facilitate a considerable amount of fuel flow.
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Aluminum 3003 Construction: Made of 3003 grade aluminum, this fuel tube is incredibly heavy-duty. It is sturdy enough to cope with long term exposure to ethanol and other fuel materials.
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25 Feet Tube Length: The tube can be stretched up to 25 feet, which gives you additional coverage. You can cut it in your preferred size so that it fits your engine perfectly. You can also dissect it in pieces and use them in multiple engines.
Pros
- Large tube length.
- Spacious inner diameter.
- Aluminum 3003 construction.
- Bends easily.
Cons
- Insufficient wall thickness.
4. theBlueStone Braided Fuel Line Hose
theBlueStone fuel line hoses are available in several AN numbers and tube lengths. However, all of these tubes possess a uniform 3/8 inch inner dimension. It has sufficient inner flow space to power high-intensity engines. That means, if your car needs a broad ID fuel tube for smooth operation, this is a device you can rely on.
You can buy these tubes in rather 10 feet or 20 feet roles. The AN numbers choices are 4AN, 6AN, and 8AN. The AN numbers represent the outer diameter of the tubes. Higher AN numbers indicate higher outer diameter measure. This fuel line complies with AN standards, which is the traditional fuel line system for race cars and other heavy-duty car engines.
Features
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Multiple Length & AN Number Options: These fuel lines are manufactured in three AN number and two size variants. Therefore, they are compatible with a wide range of vehicles.
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Race Car Standard: These are AN standard fuel line hoses. Race cars use AN hose fittings in their engines as they offer superior performance and holds up better than other fittings under strenuous situations.
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High Pressure and Temperature Tolerance: These fuel lines have a working pressure rating of 500PSI and the burst rating is 2000PSI. The fuel lines thrive across the temperature range of -40°F to 300°F.
Pros
- Race car grade fuel line.
- High-pressure tolerance.
- Functions well in low and high temperatures.
- 3/8 inch inner diameter.
Cons
- The fabric braid is not as strong as nylon braids.
5. PRO 1 Fuel Line Hose NRB/PVCC SAE30R6
PRO 1 is one of the biggest names in the world of motorbike parts and accessories. The American brand is the go-to option for many bikers whenever they need to replace or upgrade a component. The PRO 1 fuel tube we will now discuss is suitable for car and tractor engine use, as well as smaller engine units.
The 25 feet tube length gives the tube compatibility across a wide selection of engine types. Its exclusive Nitrile Tube Construction is an infusion of double spiral polyester reinforcement and a PVC or Nitrile compound exterior. This fuel line has been specifically designed to pass diesel and E85 fuel.
Features
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Nitrile Tube Construction: The signature PRO 1 Nitrile Tube design gives this tube a fair amount of invincibility. This is achieved through a combination of spiral polyester reinforcement and PVC or Nitrile mix.
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25 Feet Hose: The 25 feet hose length will give you sufficient tube coverage for multiple purposes. You can use it on larger engines likes and tractors and cars. On the other hand, you can cut it down and use it on smaller engines.
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High and Low Temperature Resistance: Exhibits impressive resistance to temperature fluctuations. Works fine in temperatures as low as -40°F. On the other end of the spectrum, it can survive up to 212°F.
Pros
- Durable Nitrile Tube Construction.
- Usable across a variety of engine types.
- Works well in high and low temperatures.
- High tube length.
Cons
- Might make the fuel lose its original color.
6. Copper Nickel Fuel/Transmission Line
Copper nickel fuel transmission lines are all the rage among garage professionals and DIY enthusiasts nowadays. This fuel tube from The Stop Shop is conveniently malleable. Its flexibility allows you to make some nifty bends and curves, which in turn, makes the installation process a walk in the park.
This fuel line also comes with an SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) approval, which speaks volumes about the quality of this product. The wall thickness of .375 inches doesn’t make it the thickest, but it does enough to handle fuel transmission at various temperatures. You can use this alternatively as brake lines or cooler lines.
Features
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Flexibility: The highlight of this fuel line is its sublime pliability. Steel, aluminum, or plastic lines will not bend as easily as this tube. The superior bending ability of this fuel tube makes it easier to install. It also results in more fluidity in transmission.
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SAE Approval: This fuel line meets all the standards set by SAE to convey diesel, gasoline, and alcohol-based fuels safely. The SAE approval gives you more insurance in terms of engine safety.
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High Length: The length of the tube makes it suitable for cross-platform use in engines. You can use it on both larger and smaller engines. That said, the 3/8 inch outer diameter makes it more appropriate for larger engine use.
Pros
- High flexibility.
- SAE approved.
- Can be used either as an oil, gas, cooler, or brake line.
- Rustproof.
Cons
- The pressure ratings and temperature limits are not specified.
7. Allstar ALL40185 Fuel Line
The Allstar ALL40185 is nothing short of a star in the fuel tube scene. The tube has garnered a stellar reputation among its peers for its marvelous flexibility and longevity. It is made of an aluminum-manganese alloy named aluminum-3003. This particular alloy is quite ductile compared to other aluminum compounds, which makes the tube fairly workable.
You have three different outer diameter choices for this product-1/2 inches, 3/8 inches, 5/8 inches. This, of course, results in separate internal diameter values too. You can go for the combo that befits the configuration of your engine. The pressure rating for this fuel line exceeds 3000 PSI, which is a formidable working pressure range for any fuel tube.
Features
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Durable and Flexible: The use of aluminum-3000 in these tubes makes them simultaneously pliable and durable. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to claim that this is the jackpot combination of best material for auto fuel line.
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Different Diameter Options: You can single out the best tube for your car from three different internal and external diameter options. If you manage to select the right diameter size, then you won’t have to worry about an overwhelming or underwhelming fuel intake.
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High-Pressure Rating: If you use the right fittings, you can get an astounding amount of PSI resistance from this tube. For example, Swagelock fittings can get you anywhere between 3000PSI and 10000PSI.
Pros
- Available in various diameters.
- High working pressure rating.
- Flexible.
- Long-lasting.
Cons
- Some users might find this to be overly soft.
8. Edelbrock 8131 Chrome Fuel Line
The Edelbrock 8131 Chrome Fuel Line has a lot of strong points, but unfortunately, universal compatibility is not one of them. You can’t use this with OEM fuel pumps. It’s aimed towards Edelbrock square-bore carburetors. But if you do see that your engine system fulfills its particular installation criteria, Edelbrock 8131 could be an excellent choice.
The craftsmanship of this piece of equipment deserves distinguished praise. The single feed fuel line has a comprehensive steel-made structure. The outer surface is graced with a chromatic finish that only adds to the unit’s aesthetics. There is a 40-micron filtration system inside the tube that ensures a cleaner flow of fuel into the engine.
Features
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40-Micron Filter: The fuel tube has a built-in filtration system to purify the engine flow to the engine. It can trace and remove contaminant particles as small as 40 microns from circulation.
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Steel Build: Crafted from top of the line steel material, you won’t find many fuel lines that can rival the sturdiness of this unit. It is highly immune to rust and is capable of providing uncompromised service for years.
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Male Inlet Connectivity: Features a 6AN male inlet, which allows it to connect with an Edelbrock fuel line kit. This accounts for a hassle-free installation that requires zero handyman skills.
Pros
- Built-in aluminum filter.
- Easy installation via male inlet.
- Solid, durable steel construction.
- Gorgeous chrome finish.
Cons
- Limited compatibility.
9. PRO 1 Fuel Line Hose NRB/PVCC SAE30R6
We have already discussed a PRO 1 product in our article. PRO 1 has some impressive items in their fuel tube collection, so we couldn’t help but include another one of their products in the mix. This fuel line hose is similar to the one we have previously reviewed, but this comes with a slightly smaller diameter label.
The narrower ID makes this more suitable for smaller engines. You can still use this for car and tractor engines, but we would recommend using this one on motorbikes. It facilitates optimal fuel supply in small scale engines and helps maintain ideal fuel pressure. It performs at its best from -40°F to 212°F.
Features
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Nitrile Tube Construction: What makes this tube ridiculously strong is its Nitrile Tube construction. It is an assortment of double-layer spiral polyester reinforcement and PVC or Nitrile mix.
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25 Feet Hose: The 25 feet hose length comes in handy for multiple engine variety applications. You can make this work with more powerful and complex engines like tractor engines, but can also cut it in shape for using in bike engines.
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Withstands Temperature Fluctuations: Inside the hood, the temperature could often take a sudden spike. This fuel line tube is prepared for such changes and it also fares well in negative temperatures during the winter.
Pros
- Long-lasting Nitrile Tube build.
- Compatible with both large and small engines.
- Works at its best within a wide range of temperature changes.
- Convenient 25 feet hose length.
Cons
- More suited to smaller engines than larger ones.
10. Dorman 800-072 3/8″Nylon Tubing
The final entry in our list is Dorman 800-072 3/8″Nylon Tubing. Dorman is an automotive accessory manufacturer that takes pride in a 100 years plus legacy. This particular Dorman fuel line tube portrays the exquisite engineering attributes of the company to its best. Dorman 800-072 could be a low-cost yet long-lasting solution to your fuel line problems.
Like a few other fuel lines mentioned in this piece, this fuel tube comes in a 25 feet roll. The external diameter measures 3/8 inches, which can provide unrestrained fuel flow to the most fuel hungry engines. It is made of nylon, which is undoubtedly, one of the best materials for gasoline fuel line.
Features
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Cost-Effective: You can get a massive bang for your buck buying this fuel line tube. The nylon construction is not overly expensive, but it does a compelling job in limiting tube damage because of fuel transmission.
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Ideal Inner Diameter For Powerful Engines: To get the best out of your powerhouse of an engine, you need to make sure it is getting adequate fuel supply. The 3/8 inch inner diameter of this tube is quite suited for this purpose.
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Flexible: Flexibility matters profoundly when you are trying to install a new fuel line tube. This tube shows ample maneuverability, which makes it easier to install and promotes stronger fuel flow.
Pros
- Made of durable nylon.
- High flexibility.
- Perfect diameter for larger engines.
- Affordable price.
Cons
- A bit difficult to unfold from the roll.
Best Fuel Line Material: Buying Guide
No thanks to the corrosive characteristics of modern fuels, you need to be super cautious while selecting the fuel line tube for your vehicle. The additives found in current-day fuels can degrade the construction of ordinary rubber hoses and also make the fuel contaminated with fuel tube debris.
Therefore, to plumb your fuel lines properly, there are no alternatives to resorting to the best fuel line materials. If your fuel tube gets damaged, it will block the free passage of oil and impose detrimental effects on fuel injectors and the carburetor. Overall, it will compromise your entire engine function.
Here are some factors you need to remain mindful of while selecting fuel line material-
Fuel Type
You can fill your fuel tank with many different kinds of fuels. Not engines are created the same, and not all of them have the same source of power. Gasoline has been the most common form of fuel in our world over the past century. But now, there are a lot of alternatives to pick from-compressed natural gas, diesel, biodiesel, ethanol, etc.
These fuel types don’t act the same, and each of these has different effects on the fuel tube material. Therefore, you need to pick a substance that specializes in tackling the fuel you use. What works fine for old fashioned fuels like diesel, might not prove to be as effective on ethanol-based fuels. So, make sure the tube label specifies its ability to convey the type of fuel you want to use.
Flexibility
Flexibility is another important aspect to look at. Even if your tubing does a good job of resisting the decaying effects of the fuel, it will still hold you back if the tube material is too rigid. We can cite PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene) as a perfect example of this. The plastic variant will have no problem in putting up with all kinds of conventional fuel.
The problem arises when you try to bend a PTFE line. You would find that they are quite stiff and thus not suitable for many applications. You would have a hard time installing the tube if it is not flexible enough. If the tubing bends easily, then you would also find it useful for future maintenance.
Pressure & Temperature Tolerance
Any fuel tube you consider buying must remain functional amid abrupt pressure and temperature fluctuations. The fuel lines come with PSI markings, which symbolize their capacity to combat pressure. The PSI number does vary with the quality of fittings, but you need to see that your fuel tube can deliver a minimum of 3000PSI of working pressure rating regardless of the situation.
Temperature is a key factor to be taken account of before choosing any engine component or accessory. The temperature drives high when the engine operates. In a healthy engine, the temperature could easily cross the 200°F mark. So, the fuel line has to be ready to tackle such high levels of temperature.
However, only high-temperature resistance is not sufficient for the fuel line to fit the bill. In winter, when the temperature plummets to sub zero levels, your fuel line material needs to cope with the chilling atmosphere and keep the fuel transmission active. Otherwise, your fuel line will fail and cut off the fuel supply to the engine.
ID and OD Measurements
The inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD) measurements are pivotal to selecting the right fuel line. The variety of sizes serves a variety of purposes. Wider diameters will accommodate more fuel flow, and narrower ones have lower transmission rates. Now, the question is, are higher ID and OD numbers necessarily better?
No, higher ID and OD numbers do not guarantee a better engine performance for all engines. You should pick the numbers that fit your engine well. An enormous inflow of fuel might turn out to be an overdose for your system. Look up what ID and OD numbers suit your engine perfectly and purchase accordingly.
Tube Length
A shorter tube length would do you no good, so it is a no-brainer that you should buy a tube that gives you ample tube coverage. However, should you buy the exact tube size that fits your engine? Or should you choose to buy a lengthier one? This choice comes down to personal preference, to be honest.
If you ask for our opinion, we would suggest going for a larger tube size. This will give you insurance if you are not sure about the precise tube size you would need. You can cut it in pieces and use them in other projects. But, some people do not want to go through the trouble of cutting and resizing. If you happen to be one of them, then opt for accurate sizes.
Longevity
You should assess the durability of a fuel tube before you decide on buying it. Fuel lines featuring premium materials will always stand the test of time. Your ideal fuel line should be corrosion-free and able to survive extreme temperature and pressure conditions. It should also bear up against the degenerative effects of modern fuels.
How To Repair A Damaged Fuel Line
Sometimes, you don’t need to completely replace your old fuel line. If it has a few leaks here and there you can easily fix the damage and make your car running again. Most people prefer going to a repair shop for doing these kinds of works.
However, I will suggest you learn these quick fixes so that you don’t have to wait for going to the repair shop. Besides, you will be able to save some bucks, and believe me, DIY projects are always fun to do.
Getting Things Ready
You won’t need any kind of rare parts in this repairing process. Rather you can use the tools that are available in almost everyone’s garage. However, I will suggest you buy a dedicated fuel line repairing kit if you don’t want to take the extra hassle of finding the necessary tools.
The first thing you will need is the fuel line material of the appropriate size. I hope you have already decided on the best material to use from the above listing. You will also need some ABA mini clamps, quick connectors, and brass sleeves for stabilizing the fuel line.
Inspect The Line
In this step, you have to carefully inspect the entire fuel line for any kind of leakage or damage. Sometimes, if the damage is irreparable, you can’t but replace the complete fuel line. That will cost more money though.
If the damage is little then you can save some bucks by patching it. If your inspection shows that the leakage is just before the fuel line connector you will need to apply a brass sleeve on one side. In that case, you can attach the other side directly with the spigot by using a spare quick connector.
Otherwise, there’s another technique for repairing damage in the middle of the line. After deciding what to do next, you will need to cut the damaged part with a knife or scissors. Don’t forget to cut it smoothly with a sharp object.
Connecting The Spare Hose
Now it’s time to connect the spare fuel line hose to make up the damaged part. For this, you will need a hairdryer or a heat gun to extend the diameter of the fuel line. Now, take a brass sleeve and insert it into that fuel line. After cooling, it will be attached tightly with the brass sleeve.
The fuel line is now ready to attach the spare hose with it. You must use the ABA mini clamp to tighten up the connection. Don’t ever forget about this because without a clamp it will not stay in place under fuel pressure.
Finishing Up
For finishing the project you will need to connect a quick connector with the newly installed hose. It will allow you to attach this to the spigot at the other end and complete the process. It was quite easy, right?
If the leakage is in the middle of the line then you just have to repeat the exact process from the other side and join them with mini clamps. You will not need to use spare quick connectors to attach it with the spigot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the most common fuel line material?
Back in the ‘80s, rubber hose fuel lines were predominant. But, rubber is no match for the fuel formulations we use today. Therefore, it has become obsolete as a fuel line material. Nylon tops the list of fuel line materials currently used by manufacturers.
Nylon is affordable, flexible, and puts up with all types of fuel pretty well. So, nylon is the most popular fuel line material right now.
Q. What is the best material for fuel lines?
We would say PTFE, also known as Teflon, is the best fuel line material. It showcases an outrageous level of resistance to fuels, both liquid, and vapor. Teflon tubes can carry fuel with ease and the destructive properties of fuels have minimal impact on the material.
However, Teflon tubes do have a significant drawback. They don’t bend easily, but there are accessories that will help you create bends and curves with Teflon tubes.
Q. Should I submerge my fuel line in fuel?
Not all fuel lines have the ability to function while soaked in the fuel tank. Submersible fuel lines are compliant with the SAE 30R10 standards. If you need to buy a fuel line for immersive use, you must buy one that comes with an SAE 30R10 certification.
Q. Are vinyl tubes good as fuel line tubes?
No, vinyl tubes do not make high-quality fuel line hoses. If you insist on using a vinyl tube fuel line hose, make sure that it has been exclusively designed for that purpose. All the fuels we use are some form of hydrocarbons.
Hydrocarbons accelerate the decaying of vinyl and make it fragile within a short period. Once the vinyl tube turns yellow, you should replace it.
Q. Are copper tubes good as fuel line tubes?
Copper is quite desirable as a fuel tube material. What makes it attractive as a fuel line hose is its malleability. You can form impressive bends and curves using copper tubes.
However, copper tubes do tend to become stiffer when they age, but you can remedy these problems using bending tools. Or, you can simply change the old one for a new tube.
Q. How often do you need to change your fuel lines?
You can expect your fuel line to last between 10,000 miles to 50,000 miles. The durability tends to be better with metal tubes like aluminum and copper. Nylon tubes do not last that long, but they are cheaper and are easier to replace.
Final Say
Fuel lines play a vital role in the health and performance of your automobile engine. So, you should not rush to pick up a fuel line for your vehicle without doing proper research. Hopefully, following the guidelines in this article will help you find the best fuel line material that fits the needs of your engine.
Last update on 2024-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
