Your vehicle’s engine is subjected to many different things when in motion such as vibrations and extreme temperatures. All of these elements can affect the overall operation and performance of two critical components of your engine – the hoses and belts. Learn what belts and hoses do and how you can maintain them so you don’t end up stranded on the side of the road… or worse, with major engine damage.
What purpose do hoses and belts have in the functioning of a vehicle engine?
Belts are a type of pulley system that help to drive the engine. These are typically referred to as accessory drive belts. The most critical accessory drive belts include:
| Purpose | Examples | |
|---|---|---|
| Belts | Belts help run a variety of engine accessories through a series of pulleys and flexible belts, including: ◙ Water Steering Pumps ◙ AC Compressor ◙ Alternator ◙ Radiator Cooling Fan ◙ Crankshaft or Camshaft | ◙ Serpentine Belt ◙ Timing Belt |
| Hoses | Hoses carry your vehicle's fluids to various components of the engine. Think of them as the bloodstream that delivers vital fluids to our engines. | ◙ Radiator Hose ◙ Fuel Hose ◙ Coolant Hoses |
What causes belts and hoses to break down?
Because belts and hoses are in constant motion and subjected to extreme temperature, the likelihood of them breaking is more common than other parts of an engine. Some of the typical wear and tear of belts and hoses include:
- Loss of flexibility in belts
- Cracking and glazing in both belts and hoses
- Bulges in hoses
Many vehicle owners tend to ignore their belts and hoses, until they are suddenly stranded on the road because the belt or hose broke causing their entire engine system to shut down. Hose and/or belt breakdown can be very damaging to the overall health of an engine, and can result in costly repairs. However, there are some simple maintenance tips to follow that can help you mitigate these types of situations along with the potential for expensive repairs:
- Visually inspect belts and hoses: Look for wear and tear.
- Replace damaged belts or hoses: At Shade Tree Garage, we can do a full review of your hoses and belts and make any necessary replacements for you.
- Maintain engine fluids: Engine fluids are critical to lubricating the engine or parts in order to continue running efficiently. If these fluids are neglected, they can lead to issues with your engine’s hoses.
We are here to give you peace of mind about the safety and reliability of your vehicle. We do that by making sure your vehicle’s engine is healthy and running at its peak performance. If you are not sure about the current state of your vehicle’s belts or hoses, make an appointment today with Shade Tree Garage, in Morristown, New Jersey.