The belts and hoses in your car are vital in having it operate properly. If one were to deteriorate and break, it could create quite a big headache for you. That’s why it is important to keep up on their maintenance and replacement.
When it comes to your hoses, most automakers – and even many hose manufacturers – suggest that you have them replaced about once every four years. However, if you use your car more than the average driver and rack up more miles, you may need to consider replacing them sooner. You can get an indication of the health of your hoses by looking for signs of kinks, cracks or bulges which can be a clear symptom of a worn-out hose that needs to be replaced.
A kink is a sign of wear on the hose and if those kinks are causing the hose to feel stiff or brittle, it’s time to change it. This might go without saying, but if you notice a crack in your hose, that could lead to an even bigger crack which could result in your hose failing completely. As for the bulges, look for these at the places where the hose connects to other components. These imperfections are a sign of impending failure.
As for belts, you should have these checked every time you have regular service, with V-belts and serpentine belts replaced between 40,000 and 50,000 miles, says Car Care News Service. By routinely checking belts, any signs of premature wear such as cracks or fraying on the belt can be caught and the belt can be replaced early if necessary. Timing belts can generally handle a longer period of use – 60,000 to 90,000 miles – though the individual model may call for a more rapid replacement.
Depending on the belt, a failure may not mean your car won’t start. For example, your car may start up properly but other car systems may not function as they should. Regardless of the belt, however, having one break will undoubtedly lead to problems on the road.
If you still aren’t sure what to look for with your vehicle belts or hoses, bring your automobile into AV Bumper to Bumper today. We can take a look as part of your routine service and let you know if replacements are needed to make sure your vehicle keeps running smoothly. For more information or to schedule a maintenance appointment, call us at 661-949-1999 today.
