DON’T WAIT UNTIL A BELT SPLITS OR HOSE BURSTS AND LEAVES YOU STRANDED
Belts and hoses that transfer energy and coolant under your hood will degrade over time. It’s important to have them checked at intervals suggested by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Don’t wait until a belt splits or hose bursts and leaves you stranded. Schedule an appointment to have your vehicle’s belts and hoses serviced today.
BELTS & HOSES
Timing Belts
A timing belt is used by vehicles with an overhead cam design to drive and precisely synchronize camshaft movements. Like a serpentine or v-belt, the timing belt will degrade over time due to usage with factors such as temperature and stress impacting lifespan. Unfortunately, wear on your timing belt isn’t always visible to the naked eye because the belt is housed within the engine and behind the timing cover.
A YHM technician can perform an inspection service for you to determine your timing belt condition and if replacement is needed but usually it’s best to do the preventive maintenance replacement of the belt and accessories while the timing cover is off.
Serpentine or V- Belt
Belts allow your vehicle’s rotating components, such as the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and A/C compressor, to keep turning. Some vehicles are equipped with V-belts on each component. Others feature a serpentine belt, which is one large, multi-groove belt routed around all your vehicle’s rotating components. Visible signs of cracks, fraying, or splitting can indicate that it’s time to replace either type of belt.
Belt Tensioners
A belt tensioner is a spring-loaded device equipped with a pulley that keeps the serpentine belt wrapped tightly around your engine’s accessory components. The tensioner and all the pulleys should be inspected when a new serpentine belt is installed or if your belts are squealing. A replacement is needed if the tensioner is worn or damaged.
Hoses
Radiator hoses are responsible for transferring hot coolant from your vehicle’s engine to the radiator for cooling, and then back to the engine after the coolant temperature has been lowered. The hoses and related components allow coolant to effectively move through your vehicle’s cooling system. Replacing your vehicle’s radiator hoses before they begin to leak can prevent a breakdown and potentially expensive repairs.
How Often Should Belts and Hoses Be Changed?
Check your vehicle owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended change intervals for all of the above belts and hoses. Other factors, such as driving style and conditions, can accelerate this timeline. YHM recommends inspecting your vehicle’s radiator hose every four years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, to help avoid unexpected failures.
Contact Our Auto Shop Today
With helpful staff, experienced technicians, and lightning-quick service, Your Honest Mechanic is ready to get your car in tip-top shape. If your having belt or hose concerns, schedule an appointment on our website or call today.