The Rising Demand for High-End Cars and Car Parts
Today, more and more people can afford fancy and high-performance cars. It seems that the need and craving for speed are higher than ever. But one might wonder as to how such vehicles are maintained well by its owners.
Of course, aside from the undeniable fact that most high-end automobiles are well taken care of by car repair and maintenance centres, keeping a vehicle’s overall performance meant having quality materials installed. It’s not only essential to keep the outside of a car looking shiny and brand new.
A car owner has to make sure that all car parts, from the suspension and body to AN fittings and air intakes, are often checked as well. Running at full speeds all the time can eventually make even the fastest car lose its power.
Fuel to Thrive and Drive
One of the most critical parts that can make or break a car’s performance is the fueling system. It’s the part of the machine that gives life and power to every vehicle. It can be compared to oxygen as to humans; without oxygen, human life will fail to exist. This principle works with fuel as well. No matter how powerful a car’s machine is, without fuel, it will be of no use whatsoever.
So how does the fuel get transported into a vehicle’s fuel tank? It, of course, goes through a hose that connects to the tank. But given the fact that most hose tubes are rigidly straight, how does it intersect with the other parts of the car? The answer is quite simple: through the use of AN fittings.
What are AN Fittings?
First off, let’s define what fitting is. It’s an adapter that connects sections of piping or tubing systems that are often straight and adapt to various shapes and sizes. These fittings are commonly used to regulate the flow of fluid. So, what are AN fittings then?
AN stand for Army-Navy, which is also known as the Air Force – Navy Aeronautical design standards. It is derived from the standardised size specification that was established during World War 2, which was mostly used for the aeronautical industry and equipment back then.
These types of fitting are used to connect both rigid and flexible hoses to carry and transport all types of liquid onto a machine. Some of the fluid types include mostly fuel, coolant, or oil.
Fittings such as the AN one is regularly utilised for most race or high-performance vehicles. Home mechanics often choose it because of its usability. The three basic types of AN fittings are crimp type, push locks, and reusable hose end. Both the push locks and reusable hose ends are standard among mechanics because these two fittings can be easily assembled into cars using small hand tools.
Choosing the Correct Size of Fittings
To avoid confusion, one thing that a person has to remember when choosing the right size of fittings is the AN size. The AN size refers to the outer diameter (O.D.) of the hose in 1/16th of inch increments. For example, an AN size of -3 has a tube O.D. of 3/16th of an inch. Most race cars have an AN size of -4 for fuel hoses, which means it has a hose outer or external diameter of 1/4 of an inch; -3 AN fitting is for brake lines with 3/16th of an inch of O.D.
Whether or not a person is driving a fast car or a regular one, it’s always important to educate one’s self with the essential parts and functionalities of a vehicle to avoid spending too much on unnecessary car part repairs or replacements.
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