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Your vehicle's belt and hoses play a major role when it comes to how smoothly the car runs. Like most drivers and car owners, you probably don't pay much attention to the belt system under the hood. However, the hoses and belts help in powering major vehicle systems, especially for heating and cooling. Suffice to say, preventive maintenance on your car's belts and hoses system can save you from untimely and costly repairs. Here are some of the belts and hoses you should pay attention to and exactly what you should focus on.
Timing Belt
This notched rubber belt helps to turn your vehicle's crankshaft and camshaft. The belt is crucial that the vehicle cannot run without it. If it breaks while you are on the road, you should pull over immediately and have a certified mechanic have a look. If left unattended, a minor fault in the timing belt could translate to major engine damage, which might be too costly to repair. As a rule of thumb, you should replace your timing belt every 60,000 miles. However, regular maintenance checks will help you identify any signs of wear or malfunction that might deteriorate a vehicle's performance.
Serpentine Belt
Here is another essential belt. In fact, numerous other components rely on this belt to function correctly. Also known as the drive belt, the serpentine belt supplies power to the AC compressor, the power steering pump and the cooling fan. Given its importance, it is crucial that you maintain it in its prime working condition to ensure all the other parts are also working well. Be sure to check it regularly for any signs of tear or belt loosening. Sometimes, an unusual noise emanating from a faulty serpentine belt is another common sign you should pay attention to.
Radiator Hoses
This is most probably the most crucial hose under the hood. It plays a vital role in pumping a coolant to the engine preventing cases of overheating. These hoses rarely go bad. However, they operate under high temperature and pressure, making it subjects to cracks, breaks and bulges, mostly resulting in a fluid leak. Consequently, it can end up causing serious and irreversible damages to the engine due to overheating.
Of course, some of your vehicle components might appear more important than others. All the same, all parts, including hoses and belts, require proper attention to avoid preventable break downs and extensive damages. If you need belt or hose repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop today!