Brake hose damaged or deteriorated
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Brake hose deteriorated”
- “Brake hose slightly damaged, chafed or twisted”
- “Brake hose bulging under pressure”
What it is
Brake hoses are the flexible rubber sections that connect the metal pipes to the brakes at each wheel, allowing the wheels to move with the suspension and steering.
Why it matters
Rubber perishes with age. A cracked, chafed or bulging hose can leak or burst under hard braking, causing a loss of braking on that wheel.
What to check when viewing a car
Hoses are visible behind the wheels. Look for cracking, bulges or rubbing marks. If this was advised, ask whether the hoses have been replaced.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
Free: every MOT, every defect explained in plain English, mileage, tax and ULEZ.
What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: brakes
- Brake pads wearing thin
- Brake discs worn, pitted or scored
- Brake pipe corroded
- Parking brake (handbrake) not working well enough
- Brakes pulling or uneven (imbalance)
- Brake fluid leak
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.