You know about your engine, and your transmission. Your tires and brakes are no-brainers. What about your belts and hoses? How much attention do you give them? If you’re like most car owners, then you probably don’t give them much attention at all. But just like every other part, your belts and hoses play a key role in how well your vehicle runs. So what belts and hoses are the most important to pay attention to? And what kinds of things should you look for? Let’s take a look.
Timing Belt – this is perhaps the most important belt under the hood. And if it goes bad, you could be in for a lot of hurt. This ridged rubber belt is the part that actually helps turn the crankshaft and camshaft in your vehicle. Without it, your engine can’t run properly. And if it brakes while you’re driving, it could cause major damage to some of your engine parts. Most carmakers recommend replacing the timing belt every 60,000 miles to be safe. When you inspect your timing belt look for any tears. Also check to see if it feels loose or if it has slipped out of place. If so, then it’s likely time to get it replaced.
Serpentine Belt – this is another very important belt. Your vehicle needs it to run properly. In fact, there are many other parts relying on this belt in order to function right. The serpentine belt is also called the drive belt. It provides power to the AC compressor, the cooling fan and the power steering pump. Because all these other parts are relying on it, you need to make sure it’s in good condition and working right. Just like your timing belt, you should check to see if it’s loose or has slipped, or if it has any tears. Sometimes belts make loud noises when they’re going bad, too, so that is another sign to listen for. If you’ve ever asked why does my car make that terrible sound, your serpentine belt could be the problem.
Radiator Hoses – there are a lot of hoses under the hood, but the radiator or coolant hose is perhaps the most important. This hose pumps antifreeze/coolant from the radiator to the engine, and helps prevent overheating. It’s not uncommon for a radiator hose to go bad. They’re often subject to high pressure and very hot temperatures, so they can develop cracks, bulges and breaks. When that happens, the result is often a coolant leak. That can lead to overheating and a damaged engine. So if you notice any signs of wear in your radiator hose, then you should get it replaced as soon as possible.
Trust Your Belts and Hoesly to Hoesly Eco Automotive
Your vehicle has so many parts. It can be hard to keep track of them all. Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook certain parts because you’re busy checking others. But the fact is all parts need proper attention, including your belts and hoses. These play a key a role in how well your vehicle functions. So you need to be sure they’re in good condition and working properly.
If you’re not sure how to inspect your belts and hoses, or you’re not sure what signs to look for, then come see us at Hoesly Eco Automotive to get them checked out. And if you see any signs of wear bring your car in for repairs. Just click here to set up an appointment online today, or call us today and we’ll take care of you. We are your home for trusted auto repair and service in Vancouver WA.
You can always expect quality auto repair service at Hoesly Eco Automotive for:
Mazda auto repair in Vancouver, WA
Toyota auto repair in Vancouver, WA
Honda auto repair in Vancouver, WA
Subaru auto repair in Vancouver, WA
Nissan auto repair in Vancouver, WA
Hybrid auto repair in Vancouver, WA
Ford auto repair in Vancouver, WA
Chevy auto repair in Vancouver, WA
Chrysler auto repair in Vancouver, WA