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Belts and Hoses

Your 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 belts and hoses can break down and leave you stranded. The chance of a drive belt failure rises dramatically after four years or 36,000 miles for V-belts and 50,000 miles for serpentine belts.

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 heater hoses carry coolant to and from the engine, radiator and heater core.

Typical Wear and Tear

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

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

Symptoms

• Squeaking noise from under the hood during start-up or operation
• Coolant leaks
• Dashboard light will illuminate
• A/C system may fail
• Engine overheating