Belts & Hoses

Among all the equipment in your vehicle, belts and hoses have the shortest lifespan. These components often crack, leak, or fray due to their constant exposure to heat, vibration, and other harmful chemicals. If not promptly replaced and maintained, it could spell disaster for your vehicle’s performance. Belt and hose evaluations based solely on their appearance are not enough. We recommend diligent inspection, and 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 leaks, cracks, hardening, or softening.
• Test cooling system for leaks using state-of-the-art pressure technology
• Record hose condition for future reference

Get your vehicle’s belts and hoses inspected on a regular basis because damaged pieces can seriously harm your vehicle. Research shows that while most people get regular oil changes, they neglect 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 drives 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

Some 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 their importance. Hoses are composed of two rubber layers with fabric in between. Types of hoses vary on make and model, but typically 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)