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Belts and hoses may not be the most glamorous parts of your car, but they are essential for its overall operation. From the serpentine belt that powers your engine's accessories to the radiator hoses that keep your engine cool, your vehicle's belts and hoses are critical components that require regular maintenance and inspection.
Here's what you need to know about the belts and hoses that make up your car:
Types of Belts
- Serpentine Belt: The serpentine belt is your engine's longest and most critical belt. It powers many of your engine's accessories, such as the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioning compressor.
- Timing Belt: The timing belt controls the timing of your engine's valves, which ensures proper combustion and engine performance. If the timing belt fails, it can cause irreversible engine damage.
- Drive Belts: There are several other belts in your engine that are additional power accessories, such as the fan belt that drives the cooling fan or the AC belt that powers the air conditioning compressor.
Types of Hoses
- Radiator Hoses: Radiator hoses connect the radiator to the engine and circulate coolant to keep the engine cool. Over time, they can become brittle, crack, or leak, leading to engine overheating and damage.
- Heater Hoses: Heater hoses circulate hot coolant to the heater core, which provides heat to the cabin. Like radiator hoses, they can become worn and brittle over time.
- Power Steering Hoses: Power steering hoses transport power steering fluid to the power steering pump, which assists in turning the steering wheel. If a power steering hose leaks or fails, it can cause hardship in steering and potential damage to the power steering pump.
Maintenance and Inspection of Belts & Hoses
To ensure your belts and hoses are in good working condition, you need to have them inspected regularly by a skilled mechanic. At Oceanworks Berkeley, we can check for signs of wear, cracking, or leaks and replace any components as needed. It's also a good idea to have your belts and hoses replaced according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, which typically ranges from 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
If you notice any signs of wear or damage on your belts or hoses, please bring your car to our auto repair shop in Berkeley, CA, as soon as possible.