Vehicle exhaust fumes are a critical concern in repair and maintenance facilities. This is because poor fume extraction put both employees and customers at risk of exposure to the harmful gases and toxic compounds, such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides released when an engine runs. To ensure the efficiency and longevity of your garage exhaust system, periodic inspection and regular maintenance is essential. Are you interested in knowing some helpful exhaust hose maintenance tips that help increase their lifespan? Read this post to know more.
How to Improve the Lifespan of Garage Exhaust Hoses?
The lifespan of an exhaust hose depends on a few key factors: Temperature resistance, crush resistance, and the ability to withstand flexing over time. It is important to choose high-quality hoses and the right materials considering the application requirements. Here are some pointers that will help solve most exhaust system problems and prolong the operating life of hoses.
- Proper Installation: Making sure to use appropriate clamps and brackets to prevent stress on the hose is very important, but the first part of proper installation is using the right hose(s) and system to start with. The best overhead hose will fail quickly if used on the ground, for example.
- Regular Inspection: Routine visual inspection is significant as it helps identify any signs of damage or wear. Thoroughly check the houses for cracks, holes, or areas with a chance of ill-fitted connections. Identifying these issues at an early stage can prevent further damage and extend the hose’s lifespan. It is also important for safety, as damaged components can result in leakage, overheating, or become a fall hazard.
- Avoid Overstretching: While providing enough clearance is essential, there are better practices than overstretching the hose. This can strain the hose and cause it to crack or weaken or put unnecessary strain on the rest of the exhaust system. For out-the-door applications, too long of a run can result in backflow of toxic fumes. Therefore, the hose should be installed at a length that allows easy movement without unnecessary tension.
- Maintain Proper Clearance: Adequate clearance around the exhaust hose is essential to prevent it from rubbing against sharp edges. Friction and abrasion can weaken the hose, leading to cracks and leaks. Providing ample space around the hose helps in preventing unnecessary friction.
- Temperature Considerations: Select a hose material and thickness that can handle the temperature fluctuations required by your vehicle mix.
- Educate Users: If you have multiple individuals working at the garage, educate and train them about the significance of exhaust hose usage. Improper or under use of the system defeats the purpose of having it.
These aforementioned tips may help improve your garage exhaust hose lifespan and worker safety. If you want more information about this topic, consulting a leading industry player like Exhaust-Away is always recommended. Experts at this company will happily assist you with the right information that will help select an appropriate garage exhaust hose kit. The company stocks a broad inventory of exhaust hoses and their accessories, making them a one-stop solution for all your exhaust removal needs. You can contact our team via phone or email.