Could there be anything duller in life than shopping for a hosepipe? Possibly. Thankfully at CAR, we've done all the looking around for you and below, we'll explain the main things to look out for to help you achieve your car washing goals.
It's not unusual for a hosepipe to get caught on one of the wheels when washing your car. This can block the flow rate of the water, also twisting from moving around the car and after being tidied away can occur, making the pipe limp and lifeless. After time your hosepipe will need updating and storing properly.
If you use a pressure washer to clean your car, these need a nice steady flow of water to be as effective as possible. A good stiff pipe can make sure your washer is constantly getting a good flow rate of water. However, you don't want a hosepipe that is too stiff because then you'll have no flexibility leading to, yup, you guessed it kinks and knots.
What's the best material for hosepipes?
Hoses are usually made up of rubber, vinyl or a mix of the two. There are now even some with a harder outer casing to protect from crushing tyres or feet.
Rubber hoses are known for their durability and are meant to be better at resisting kinks and cracks, which vinyl hoses can be susceptible to.
Combination rubber-vinyl hoses have the benefit of both worlds, being lightweight thanks to the vinyl and reinforced by the rubber, making them more durable than vinyl hoses and cheaper than all rubber hoses.
There are now bigger advancements in materials from which we can make hosepipes. Some now have a fabric on the outside which gives the hosepipe durability as well as flexibility.
Needless to say, there's plenty of choice.
Does a longer hose reduce water pressure?
Yes. But you'll not really notice the reduction in pressure in a hosepipe under 30 meters. Most of us are lucky enough to have an outside tap within that distance from the car. So, you shouldn't notice too much drop in pressure, and if you're using a pressure washer to clean your car, it wouldn't matter too much anyway.
Which hose should I buy?
The long-standing name in hosepipes has been Hozelock, they have set a good standard at a fair price, and while they're impossible to not include due to their standard, we will also look at some other options you may not have considered.
Best hosepipe overall
We're going with one of the big brands as our top choice. The Tuffhoze from Hozelock is 25 metres long and is what it says: tough. With a good crush resistance, it'll withstand a car wheel going over it and might be a good idea if you live on a busier street. Also, if you're out washing the car while kids are out on their bikes, the Tuffhoze might save the pipe splitting after the little ones use it as a 'ramp'.
You'll need to watch the fabric around your paintwork, as it can be a bit abrasive and wouldn't be ideal if it caught the car. It'll also resist becoming kinked like a traditional hose, and Hozelock claims it's 50% lighter than an equivalent vinyl and rubber example.
Pros
- Super tough
- Reputable brand
Cons
- Watch your paintwork
Best hosepipe and hose box
This Gardena Wall-Mounted Hose Box is a neat idea, serving as a base point and storage unit for the hose too.
They're perfect to wash your car with, thanks to the pivoting storage box and generous 35-metre hose made to withstand frost and UV damage. It's also retractable, locking when needed at regular length intervals. You'll know it's done with an audible, quality-sounding click. To recoil the hose, you pull slightly to engage the mechanism again, and it'll gather the hose up.
You'll never need to coil the hose back up in the correct manner as you try to relieve yourself of knots and tangles. The integrated centrifugal brake will manage the recoil on the hosepipe to iron out all the knots and twists. The housing will also swivel 180 degrees so that when it's not in use, you can lay it against a wall to try and maximise space and make it look as inconspicuous as possible.
Pros
- Retractable wall-mounted hose
- Self-regulates kinks and knots
Cons
- Rather expensive
Best hosepipe on a budget
The most basic and affordable choice that doesn't sacrifice quality, this simple hose box and hosepipe from Hozelock will be ideal for car cleaning and gardening duties. The 20-metre hosepipe is a simple but durable build and comes in a simple storage box that features a handle for easy manoeuvrability.
Pros
- Affordable
- Quality
Cons
- No fancy extras
Best hosepipe for versatility
Here's a very clever idea from the German brand Kärcher, a wall-mounted hose that's removable and portable as needed. The quality plastic housing even has space for your hosepipe accessories, keeping everything in one place nice and neatly.
The Primo flex hosepipe material is made up of three layers - a weather-resistant UV-proof outer layer, a pressure-resistant weaved reinforced layer and an opaque middle layer to prevent algae formation in the hose. The small and compact hose still stretches out to a very impressive 20 meters, ideal for car cleaning.
Pros
- Compact and versatile
- Reputable manufacturer
Cons
- Optional extras stack up
Best hosepipe for portability
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If you need something portable and easy to move about, the Gardena CleverRoll Hose could really do the trick. It's ideal for wheeling out of the garage or garden shed and around the driveway while you work to get your car sparkling clean. The height-adjustable handle makes it a little bit easier to stow away with the hose trolly featuring an angled connection to stop the hose from kinking.
The anti-drip device on the CleverRoll prevents water from dripping after use or when transporting the hose trolley, so if you have to take your hose through the garage, there won't be any puddles left underneath it once it's stored. To top everything off, the set comes complete with a 20-metre Classic Hose from Gardena.
Pros
- Manoeuvrable
- Good quality
Cons
- Not very space saving