GRANDVILLE, Mich.,---Your belts and hoses are some of the most important parts of your vehicle's engine. Without them, your car wouldn't even run! While normal use will cause them to wear down over time, they're more susceptible to damage in extreme hot or cold weather. Hot weather can add heat on top of existing friction, which accelerates the wearing process. Cold weather, on the other hand, causes stiffness and increases the risk of breakage.
By following scheduled maintenance and having regular inspections completed, you can be sure that your belts and hoses are working properly. RiverTown Honda is here to share with you why and how you should have your belts and hoses inspected for National Car Care Month.
BELTS
Your engine's belts control things like your AC compressor, water pump, alternator, engine valve intake and exhaust, and power steering. A broken belt can completely disable your vehicle, and the changing temperatures that come with springtime can make them more prone to wear. Damaged, cracked, or frayed belts can still run but can cause even bigger issues like your engine overheating. While they don't often require replacements, it is important to get your belts inspected regularly.
There are two kinds of belts your engine uses: the timing belt and the accessory or serpentine belt.
Timing Belt: The timing belt, also known as the Cambelt, synchronizes the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft. This helps the engine's valves open and close when they're supposed to during the cylinders' intake and exhaust strokes. We recommend that you have your timing belt replaced every 60,000-100,000 miles, but you should always check your owner's manual to know what's best for your specific make and model. Here are a few signs to look out for that may indicate a replacement is in order:
- Your engine "jumps" gears
- Your vehicle is completely disabled
- There are plastic pieces from the camshaft gears in your oil pan
- There is a loss of oil pressure (due to the camshaft pieces being in your oil)
- You hear a squeaking noise from your timing cover
- You hear rattling noises coming from your engine
- You have trouble starting your vehicle
Accessory or Serpentine Belt: Also known as the "serpentine" belt, the accessory belt gets its name from the snake-like motion it uses around the pulleys of the engine, transporting power to components like your power steering pump, AC compressor, alternator, and many others.
Water, dirt, oil leaks, and excessive heat can cause your serpentine belt to wear down very quickly. We recommend that you have it inspected every 10,000-20,000 miles, and replaced every 60,000-100,000 miles, but again check your owner's manual for what's best for your make and model. Here are a few signs that your accessory belt might need replacing:
- An overheating engine
- A disabled vehicle
- A loss of power steering
- A squealing or high-pitched noise while accelerating
HOSES
In the same way your circulatory system moves blood and oxygen around your body, your engine's hoses move fluids vital to your car's performance throughout its entire system. A cracked or damaged hose can lead to the leaking of these vital fluids, like coolant or brake fluid, and reduce the efficiency of your vehicle. There are several kinds of hoses inside your car:
Radiator Hoses: This hose moves coolant through your engine to regulate its temperature. Without it, your engine can overheat which can in turn cause major internal damage and lead to costly repairs. Here a few indicators of a radiator hose leak:
- Drop in coolant level
- Smoke coming from your engine
- Rising engine temperature
- A bright pool of liquid underneath your vehicle
Fuel Line: The fuel line transports fuel from your fuel tank to the fuel pump, and are typically made out of reinforced rubber but can also be made out of plastic or metal. While they aren't usually a part of your vehicle's routine maintenance, it is extremely important to have them checked before the end of the fall or beginning of spring when temperatures are changing drastically. Here are some signs you may need to replace your fuel line:
- Loss in fuel efficiency/gas tank emptying faster than normal
- Puddles of gas underneath your vehicle
- Smelling gasoline while driving
- Hard starts
- Your vehicle not starting at all
Brake Lines/Hoses: Brake lines and hoses are used to stop your vehicle when you depress the brake pedal. Some vehicle's brake lines and hoses made of steel but a mjaority are made of rubber for the flexibility it provides to your car's suspension when traveling on uneven surfaces. Here's how to tell if you have a broken brake line or hose:
- Loss of braking ability
- "Soft" brakes
Your engine's belts and hoses are crucial to the proper function of your engine. Here we've given you some tips for inspection and recommendations for replacement, but you should always check your owner's manual to be aware of the specific needs of your make and model. If you're ever unsure, stop in for a service appointment with us and our friendly team of experts will gladly help you!
Give RiverTown Honda, the #1 Honda Dealer in Michigan in 2017, a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.
