Sometimes with a car, you don’t know it’s in trouble until it’s really in trouble. To help prevent an overheated engine, power steering loss, or failure of your car’s electrical charging system, you need to pay attention to the belts and hoses that help your car run. With regular checks and a visit to the service department at Two Rivers Ford, you’ll be able to spot when a hose or belt is compromised.
Signs to replace coolant and heater hoses A hose that is in good condition will be firm but still flexible. Good hoses should be free from abrasive damage, collapsed spots, and parallel cracks around the bends. Closely inspect the hoses for any cracks or nicks. Check the connection points for fraying, and when the hoses are hot, for bulges, which is another sign that the hoses need to be replaced. If you feel mushy or soft spots on your car’s hoses, they may be failing.
Signs to replace accessory belts Accessory belts can experience similar wear and tear as failing coolant and heater hoses since they endure similar conditions, elements, and stress. You’ll want to monitor your car’s belts for cracks, splits, and missing parts of the grooves. A belt that has slick or glazed areas on its sides is at risk for cracking, slipping, and overheating. Layers that separate or have cracks are indications that your serpentine belt needs an upgrade. Twist the serpentine belt to identify these problems. In addition, if your car makes high-pitched sounds when you hit the gas, it could mean the serpentine belt is close to snapping.
Suggestions in the owner’s manual In addition to visible checks or signs that your hoses and belts need repairs or replacements, your owner’s manual also outlines the typical lifespan of these components. Be sure to stay on top of all your car’s maintenance milestones detailed in your owner’s manual to help prevent major malfunctions and expensive service bills.
If your car’s belts or hoses show signs of wear and tear or you notice another issue with your car’s performance, contact the service department at Two Rivers Ford in Mount Juliet, Tennessee.
