When you open the hood on your car or truck, one of the first things you likely notice is your engine’s belts and hoses. Despite being easy to spot in an engine compartment, these crucial parts are often one of the most overlooked when it comes to preventative car care. With some routine maintenance performed by the certified auto mechanics at All Pro Servicenter, you can avoid expensive engine repair and safety issues caused by belts and hoses that fail.
An Engine’s Belts & Hoses Keep Your Other Systems Going
Your engine belts are responsible for operating crucial components of your engine, as well as the accessories that make your driving experience comfortable.
Engine Cooling System
Your engine uses belts to operate the engine’s water pump, which cycles engine coolant via your car’s upper radiator hose into the car’s radiator, and then back into the engine via the lower radiator hose. If your V belts (common on older cars) or your serpentine belt fail, the engine will begin to overheat which can cause a wide range of engine issues from blown cylinder head or intake gaskets to a complete engine failure. Should a radiator hose fail, your vehicle will experience a significant engine coolant leak that risks similar damage.
Power Steering
While some automakers are moving to electric-assisted systems to improve fuel economy, the vast majority of cars and trucks on the road still feature hydraulic pump-assisted power steering. Much like your engine’s water pump, this important accessory allows you to handle and steer your vehicle easily. If your engine belt fails, you will notice that turning your steering wheel suddenly becomes much more difficult. This poses a safety risk as you may lose control of the vehicle.
Charging System
Like water and power steering pumps, your car’s charging system relies on belts to operate. Much as the belts turn your pumps, they also spin your alternator, which is responsible for recharging your car battery and powering your car’s computer systems, lights, and electrically operated accessories. A snapped belt will cause your battery to drain rapidly and your engine to shut down.
Air Conditioning Systems
Automotive air conditioning systems work very similar to those found in your home. Where a home AC unit uses an electric motor to spin the air conditioning compressor, automotive systems use your engine to power the system via either a serpentine belt or a V-belt. Without the compressor turning, your AC system cannot function and only warm air will come from your vents.
Heating System
A truck or car heater relies on various coolant hoses and your engine’s water pump or serpentine belt to bring coolant to your heater core and keep you and your passengers comfortable on cold days.
Our Certified Auto Technicians Watch For Early Signs Of Failure
When you bring your car or truck into one of our six Des Moines Area auto repair shops for basic maintenance like an oil change service, our dedicated auto techs will check your engine for cracked serpentine belts or V belts, bad belt tensioners, as well as soft or swollen radiator hoses. If repairs are warranted, fast belt and radiator hose replacement service will get you back on the road quickly with the peace of mind you won’t be left stranded.
Come To All Pro Servicenter For All Your Auto Repair Services
For the best auto repair in the Des Moines metro, look no further than your nearest All Pro Servicenter. We provide comprehensive auto repair and maintenance services that go well beyond simple hose, V-belt, or serpentine belt replacement. From brake services to wheel alignments, engine repair, transmission replacements, and more, call or stop into an All Pro Servicenter today!
