Belts

Among all the equipment in your vehicle, belts and hoses have the shortest lifespan. Due to constant exposure to heat, vibration, and harmful chemicals, these components invariably crack, leak, fray, and peel. If not promptly replaced and maintained, this could spell disaster for the performance of your vehicle. And evaluating the condition of your belts and hoses only on their appearance is not enough! Diligent inspection is required, and we are here to do it. Here is a sample of how we ensure belt and hose quality:

Visual Inspection of Belts

• Search for clear indications of damage (cracking, glazing, softening, or peeling)
• Test for correct tension
• Test for correct alignment
• Record belt condition for future reference

Visual Inspection of Hoses

• Search for clear indications of damage (leaks, cracks, hardening, or softening)
• Test cooling system for leaks using state-of-the-art pressure technology
• Record hose condition for future reference

It is vital to inspect your vehicle’s belts and hoses on a regular basis because often times a damaged piece has serious effects on the condition of your vehicle. Research shows that while most people are attentive when it comes to regular oil changes, they hardly devote any concern at all to the condition of their belts and hoses. A leaking hose or a cracked belt will cause you more trouble than an overdue oil change ever will! The following is a brief description of some of the different belts and hoses we inspect:

Drive Belts:

• The engine itself is used as a power source to drive some of your vehicle’s accessories. Instead of being supplied by electric power, these accessories rely on a series of pulleys and belts to operate. Some of these accessories include:
  • Power steering pump
  • Alternator
  • Air conditioning compressor
  • Radiator cooling fan
  • Water pump

Most older vehicles require a single serpentine belt to power these accessories (as opposed to several individual belts).

Hoses:

• If you think of hoses as your vehicle’s circulatory system, then you’ll have an appropriate representation of how important they are. Channeling car fluids to their correct destination, hoses are composed of two rubber layers with fabric in between. Types of hoses vary on make and model, but typically they include:
  • Fuel hose (sends gasoline from the gas tank to the engine)
  • Radiator hose (delivers coolant to engine)
  • Power steering hose (connects power steering pump to steering equipment)
  • Heater hose (provides coolant to heater core)