A failure with a belt or hose can cause the engine to overheat. It can also cause a loss of power steering and electrical charging system. If a hose leaks coolant or a belt snaps, the cooling system will not be able to work effectively. If the engine overheats, it could suffer serious internal damage that will then require expensive repairs. If the engine overheats, it could also cause a deterioration of rubber components.
The belts may start to wear because of heat, oil, and abrasion. Almost all vehicles have a single multi-grooved serpentine belt that drives the alternator, water pump, or power steering pump. If the belt starts to show signs of excessive wear, make sure to replace it as soon as possible. Some belts will not show signs of wear until complete failure occurs. When inspecting the belts, look for cracks, fraying, or splits on it. Also look for signs of glazing on the belt’s sides. If the belts are glazed, they could overheat and crack. If missing chunks of the grooves on the underside are visible, make sure to replace the belt as soon as you can. When replacing the belts, make sure they are identical in length, width, and number of grooves. Signs of a problem with the belt tension can include a high pitched chirp or whine sound. You may also notice vibration noises. Without the proper tension, belts will slip and fail to turn the other parts.
Hoses in the vehicle should also be inspected regularly. They are the weakest structural component in the vehicle. The hoses are made of flexible rubber compounds to absorb vibrations between the engine and radiator. The hoses are also subjected to the fluctuating extremes of heat, cold, dirt, and sludge. Make sure to check the coolant reservoir to ensure proper fluid amounts. If you notice that the tank needs to be filled more than usual, there is probably a leak. Bring the vehicle in as soon as you can so we can inspect the vehicle and hoses for you. Between visits, if you notice cracks or bulges in the hose, bring it in immediately. There can also be an issue with the hose if you notice a collapsed section. Having the hoses inspected and in good condition can help your vehicle to be as efficient as possible. It can also lead to a more pleasant driving experience.
