Maintaining Belts & Hoses
The belts within your engine are there to make sure that all the systems within your car can share the energy created by your engine. Over time, exposure to fluctuating temperature and moisture causes wear-and-tear. Under consistent tension, eventually, these belts will stretch out and become too loose, losing their ability to grip the various pulleys within your car’s engine.
Much the same is true for hoses. While not under tension, over time rubber will dry out, and exposure to repeated freezing and thawing will cause them to expand and contract, leading to cracks. These cracks will often leak, further complicating matters as many of the fluids they transport can increase wear-and-tear on other engine components. Contact Progressive Auto, your trusted Regina auto repairs shop, to ensure your car’s belts and hoses are in working condition.
Servicing Guide
Hoses: When replacing hoses, it’s in your best interest to replace them all at once. Doing them all together not only guarantee’s you won’t have to worry about them for another 5 years, but allows you to save time and money by purchasing and installing them in one go.
Belts: If belts are broken, excessively worn or cracked, and haven’t been replaced in at least 5 years, it’s time to replace them. When doing so, it’s also good practice to inspect belt tensioners and pulleys, replacing them if needed.
Recommended Maintenance
Hoses: The best way to care for hoses is to ensure that the fluids flowing through them are consistently changed and kept in good shape. Engine heat causes fluids to gradually evaporate, increasing the concentration of corrosive chemicals and degrading hoses from the inside out.
Belts: Check belt tension regularly, and use your tensioner to keep them tight (but not too tight!). Also be sure to check your belts for any dirt or grease, as it can accelerate wear-and-tear.
Scheduling & Warning Signs for Car Belts and Hoses
• Once every three months, or every 8000 kilometres, it’s recommended you check your belts and hoses.
• Belts can be inspected by finding the longest stretch between pullies, pinching the mid-point, and moving it from side-to-side. The belt should not move more than an inch in either direction.
• Hoses can be inspected by squeezing them with your thumb and forefinger near the clamps while the engine is cool. A good hose will be pliant, but firm, while a bad one will be soft and spongy.
• If your car squeals when you pull away from lights or stop signs, this is an indication of a problem with your belts. Either they are worn down and need replacement, or something like grease is reducing their ability to grip. This sound is caused by an engine belt losing grip with a pully, slipping along it instead of turning them.