Quick Answer
Automotive fuel hose selection must balance fuel resistance, permeation, temperature, flexibility, adhesion and long-term aging. ECO/GECO are common specialty-elastomer pathways for fuel-contact layers; CSM is often evaluated for durable outer-cover functions.
Engineering requirements
- Fuel and fuel-vapor resistance
- Permeation target
- Heat aging and low-temperature flexibility
- Dynamic flex/fatigue
- Adhesion between hose layers
- Applicable OEM/SAE test requirements
Recommended material families
| Material | Role / reason |
|---|---|
| ECO / GECO | Balanced fuel resistance, flexibility and hose/sealing performance. |
| CO | Barrier-oriented option where low fuel-vapor permeability is a major requirement. |
| CSM | More commonly considered for weatherable hose cover compounds than as the default fuel-contact inner tube. |
Why material selection matters
A fuel hose is a multilayer system, so the best elastomer depends on whether the layer is the tube, barrier, reinforcement interface or cover.
What to confirm before selecting a grade
- CSM can resist certain oils/fuels, but it is more commonly considered for durable hose-cover compounds. Inner-tube selection should be based on the exact fuel, temperature and permeability target.
- ECO can offer a useful balance of hydrocarbon resistance, low permeability and flexibility. The exact compound must still pass the relevant fuel and aging tests.
Application note: The final elastomer and compound must be validated in the actual medium, temperature, pressure, dynamic condition and regulatory environment. Published generic resistance rankings are screening tools, not a substitute for application testing.