Monthly Car Care Tips

Belt and Hoses:
Many experts urge replacing belts, radiator and heater hoses at specific recommended intervals to prevent your car from breaking down. Losing a belt today can mean big trouble for the engine because serpentine belts are used on most engines to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering and air condition compressor. If the belt snaps, everything is lost and you are may be stranded. Older cars use individual V-belts for these various accessories. A blown hose could result in an overheated engine and can cause additional engine damage.

Why do I need this service?
It’s not easy to know the true condition of a belt or hose by its outward appearance, because most belts and hoses fail from the inside out. Rubber hoses can become hard and brittle, deteriorating with age and exposure to heat, causing the hose to split, blister or leak. Belts also bread down with heat, mileage and age. Flexing produces heat that causes the rubber to harden over time. In addition, if the belt is loose or slips, the wear process can be accelerated.

Typical Service

• Hose should be checked at each oil charge for age hardening or softening by pinching. Andy hose that feels rock hard or mushy is due for replacement. Leaking, visible cracks, blistering or any other visible dames on the outside of the house would also indicated a need for replacement.
• The clamps should be replaced when new hoses are installed.
• V-Belts and/or Serpentine belts should be checked for looseness. They should also be replaced every three to four years or 40,000 to 50,000 miles.
• Replace the timing belt between 60,000 and 90,000 miles or based on the interval specified in the owner’s manual.

Belt & Hose Products we carry

• Contitech (Continental)
• Porsche
• Bando
• URO