BELTS AND HOSES

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Many experts recommend replacing belts, radiator and heater hoses at specific 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-conditioning compressor. If the serpentine belt fails or breaks, the engine will fail to run and you may be stranded. Older cars use V-belts for various accessories and failure of this belt could also strand you. 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 break down with
heat, mileage and age. Every time a belt passes around a pulley, it bends. 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.

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TYPICAL SERVICE

• Hoses should be inspected at each oil change for leaking, cracks,
discoloration or any other visual sign of wear. Squeezing the hose
can also indicate need for replacement. Any hose that feels rockhard
or mushy should be replaced.
• Hoses should always be replaced with a new radiator or water
pump installation.
• Clamps should be replaced when new hoses are installed.
• V-belts should be inspected for looseness, cracks, frays or glazing.
Typical replacement is every three to four years or 40,000 to
50,000 miles.
• The serpentine belt system should be inspected for looseness
and signs of wear. Tensioners and pulleys should be inspected for
noise and wear. Typical replacement is 60,000 to 90,000 miles.
The system may also require replacement of a tensioner or pulley.
• Replace timing belts based on the interval specified in the
owner’s manual, typically between 60,000 and 90,000 miles.
During a timing belt service it may be recommended to replace
tensioner, pulleys, and water pump.