Car Belts and Hoses

You car’s belts and hoses are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems, and the engine. Don’t take these routine replacement intervals for granted because they can break down and leave you stranded.

What do they do?

The timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft mechanically synchronized to maintain engine timing. Whether serpentine, V-belt or fan belt (the belts on the outside of the engine), they all transmit power from the front of the engine to accessories that need to be driven, such as the air conditioning, the charging system and fans. Radiator and heat hoses carry coolant to and from the engine, radiator and heater core.

Typical Wear and Tear

Key items that affect the replacement interval for belts and hoses:

• Vehicle age
• Electrolytic corrosion
• Mileage
• Oil contamination
• Belt tension
• Failed hose clamps

Symptoms

• Squeaking noise from under the hood during start-up or operation
• Coolant leaks
• Dashboard light will illuminate

The belts and hoses most frequently used are:

A. Serpentine belt
B. Heater hoses
C. Lower radiator hose
D. Drive belt (V-belt)
E. Fan belt
F. Upper radiator belt
G. Timing belt

Not all cars use timing belts. Also, some cars may use one serpentine belt for all accessories, others may use a combination of serpentine and V-belts, while others may use only V-belts.