How Extreme Temperatures Affect Hydraulic Hoses

September 25, 2023

Hydraulic hoses can be sensitive to environmental conditions, especially in extreme temperatures and seasonal changes. Among the most influential factors on their performance and lifespan is temperature. If you want to ensure the long-term efficiency and safety of your hydraulic systems, it is essential to understand how temperature affects the hose and its contents. Here are some things to consider and their solutions.


Temperatures Cause Material Expansion and Contraction

All materials expand or contract as their temperatures change, and the type of material affects how well the hose can endure these changes. If a hose is exposed to temperatures beyond its design specifications, it can lead to a large range of problems, including:

  • Fluid pressure issues
  • Broken seals
  • Burst hoses
  • Leaks
  • System failures


To avoid this issue, make sure the
hydraulic hoses in your system are made to withstand the high and low-temperature ranges they will be subjected to by both the fluid and the environment. The hose manufacturer or your inventory supplier should be able to help you evaluate the hose and any recommended replacements.


Decreased Flexibility in Winter Temperatures

In extremely cold conditions, hydraulic hoses can permanently become less flexible and brittle as they freeze and rewarm. This loss of flexibility can make the hose more susceptible to cracking or breaking, broken seals, and compromised attachments.


To minimize these issues, you can:

  • Use protective sleeves
  • Keep weather-appropriate barriers between the hoses and the environment
  • Store extra hoses in climate-controlled areas away from the sun and weather elements
  • Install and maintain hydraulic hoses based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Fluid Viscosity Changes With Extreme Temperatures

Hydraulic fluid relies on a specific viscosity to function effectively. Extreme temperatures can thin or thicken the hydraulic fluid beyond its intended viscosity. This can decrease the efficiency of the hydraulic system, strain the hoses and seals, reduce lubrication of critical parts, and risk damage to the entire system. 


When extreme temperatures hit, you may need to use additives to keep the fluids at their ideal viscosity. Also, try to avoid areas that are exposed to extreme heat or cold when routing the hoses. 



To ensure the longevity and efficiency of your hydraulic systems, it's essential to be aware of the effects of temperatures on hydraulic hoses. Selecting the right hose for the expected temperature range, conducting regular inspections, and implementing proper maintenance practices can mitigate potential issues. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer or your supplier for the best recommendations.


Let Action Supply Manage Your Hydraulic Hose Inventory

Action Supply is committed to taking the stress of having the right part when you need it off your shoulders. Our inventory management service experts make sure the parts are always stocked, organized, and easily accessible when you need them. Contact us today to find out how we can tailor your inventory management system, so you can focus on other aspects of your business.


October 22, 2025
In the world of industrial supply, especially when it comes to hydraulic hoses and fittings, what truly sets a provider apart isn’t just product stock. It’s relationships . At Action Supply, we’ve built our business over four decades on more than inventory: we’ve built it on reliability, responsiveness, and customers trusting us as their go-to partner. The Local Partner Advantage Faster turnaround : Local on-site hose assemblies, quick access to inventory, and the ability to respond when downtime is unacceptable. We work hard to complete your projects with higher quality and fast turn around times. Better communication : You’re dealing with a team that knows your region, your industry, and your challenges—not a generic call center. Inventory you can count on : When your partner manages stock on-site or nearby, you’re less likely to face costly delays. Action Supply offers inventory management services to keep critical parts ready when you need them. Service & Support That Make the Difference Here’s how we add value for our customers year-round: Custom Hose Assemblies On-Site : We don’t just stock hoses; we build them to spec, on-site, matching exact lengths, fittings, and ratings so there’s no guess-work or field fabrication headaches. Consultation & Technical Guidance : Hydraulic systems are complex. We help customers select the right hose, fitting, and coupling for factors like pressure, fluid compatibility, abrasion, and environment. Speed When It Counts : Downtime kills productivity. Having a local partner means faster pick-up, faster delivery, and in many cases, faster problem resolution because we’re already on-site or nearby. Proactive Inventory Planning : From planned maintenance to emergency response, we partner with customers to anticipate needs rather than just react. A true partnership means fewer surprises. A Long-Term View: Why Trust Matters Relationships are built on consistency over time. At Action Supply, our “we’ve worked hard for over 40 years” mindset means we place value on being there for our customers today…and five, ten, twenty years down the road. That long-term presence gives customers the confidence to count on us for standard supply, for emergency replacement, and for growth scale-up. When you know your supply partner will show up, send the right part, understand your system, and back it with service, you’re not just buying hoses or fittings. You’re buying peace of mind. How to Make the Most of Your Supply Partner Here are a few actions to ensure your local supply relationship delivers maximum value: Treat them as part of your team : Share your upcoming projects, shutdown schedules, and maintenance plans with your supply partner. Engage early : Instead of reaching out only when a hose fails, loop in your supply partner during planning or design phases. Keep open communication : Share what matters to you (lead time, budget constraints, delivery windows) and let them tailor service accordingly. Leverage their expertise : Ask questions about alternatives, better materials, and long-term cost savings.  In industrial operations, margins are tight, downtime is costly, and every component matters. At Action Supply, we believe relationships matter because when you win, we win. And when you’re up against the clock, facing tough specs, or dealing with complex hydraulic systems, you’ll appreciate having a partner who’s local, dedicated, and backed by decades of experience.
September 17, 2025
When uptime, safety, and fluid integrity matter, choosing the correct fitting is the difference between a reliable system and unexpected downtime. The right fitting ensures a leak-free seal, matches pressure and fluid compatibility, and simplifies serviceability in the field. Action Supply builds and manages custom hose assemblies daily and can help match fittings to your exact application. Material Selection: Match the Environment Material choice impacts corrosion resistance, strength, and cost. Stainless steel (316 where marine exposure or salt spray is present) offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength for structural or submerged fittings. Brass is economical and machinable, and performs well in many freshwater or general industrial applications, but can corrode faster in saline environments. Choose material based on fluid chemistry, temperature, and exposure to salt or corrosives. A Practical Checklist for Choosing Fittings Identify the media: hydraulic oil, freshwater, saltwater, chemical — materials and sealing change accordingly. Confirm pressure & temperature ratings: match fittings and hose to the system’s max working and burst pressures. Match thread type and size: NPT ≠ BSP — use thread gauges or manufacturer tables if unsure. Choose sealing method: metal-to-metal (37° JIC/AN), ORFS face-seal, or thread-seal (NPT + tape/compound). Account for serviceability: will techs need to disconnect often? Choose fittings that tolerate repeated assembly. Plan for corrosion: in marine or corrosive environments choose 316 stainless, bronze, or specially coated parts. Document and label: record part numbers, thread specs, and orientation to remove guesswork on replacements. Installation & Testing Tips Use the correct torque spec for the fitting type; overtightening can damage seals or distort threads. For ORFS, always replace O-rings during reassembly and inspect sealing surfaces for nicks. For pipe threads (NPT), use appropriate thread sealant or PTFE tape and apply properly (direction, number of wraps). Pressure-test new assemblies at the manufacturer-recommended proof pressure before returning equipment to service. When to Call the Experts at Action Supply If your job is complex (mixed standards on site, high-pressure hydraulic systems, or marine installations), bring the assembly to the shop or have Action Supply’s on-site team build and verify the assembly. We offer on-site hose assemblies, inventory management, and industry-grade fittings (including Eaton/Weatherhead hoses and couplings) so you get the right part and verified performance the first time. Call (281) 315-3841 or use our contact form to request on-site assembly or inventory support.
August 11, 2025
Avoid costly downtime this peak season. Learn 5 key warning signs your hydraulic hoses need replacing to keep your equipment safe and productive.