Car belts have all kinds of jobs, from driving the alternator, water pump, power steering, and more. When the belts aren’t working properly, there could be a number of expensive problems that happen. If you’ve never inspected your car belts before, here’s what to look for to make sure they continue to work properly.
Did you know that you should replace your timing belt every 50,000 miles? It’s one of those parts that you probably don’t even think about, however, it can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere if it suddenly breaks.
If you hear a high-pitch squeal coming from your car, it could be the serpentine belt, also known as the drive belt. If it is, you’ll most commonly hear the noise when you start the engine or take a tight turn. The job of the belt powers several pumps and fans throughout your vehicle, which means it’s not a part that you can go without.
Your car also has a variety of hoses that allow coolant to flow between the engine, radiator, and heating block. These hoses are known as upper and lower radiator hoses and heater hoses. In some cars, you can also find a bypass hose. These hoses and clamps should be looked at every six months to ensure they’re working properly.
Your car has many different parts that come together to make it run so you can get from point A to point B. The belts play a vital role in your engine, driving the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and more. If any of these parts don’t function like they’re supposed to, it can lead to costly repairs in the long run. According to IDriveSafely, these are the different types of belts found in a vehicle:
All of these belts can be used for many other reasons too. For example, IDriveSafely mentions, they can drive the oil pump, balance shafts, and more.
You should inspect these parts regularly to be able to stay on the road. To inspect your belts and hoses, follow these tips from Consumer Reports:
If you’re ever unsure of what to check for, Scott’s is here to help you.
If you haven’t had your belts and hoses inspected within the last six months, call or stop by Scott’s Auto. With two convenient locations in Fort Collins and Loveland, you can easily bring your car by for a quick inspection. You can make an appointment or just stop on by!