Car Belts & Hoses Replacement in Tucson
It is recommended that you have your belts and hoses checked with every oil change. All the rubber parts on your car wear out more quickly here in the desert, due to the heat and the extreme dry conditions. That’s why with every service, we always perform a 22-point safety inspection. We also provide belts and hoses replacements when needed.
Hose Damage Isn’t Always Visible
Most hoses fail from the inside out. Rubber hoses deteriorate with age and exposure to heat. The hose material can become hard and brittle. Tiny cracks develop in the rubber, which eventually cause the hose to split, blister or leak. Oil on the outside of coolant hose can also accelerate the breakdown of the hose material. Today’s bimetal cast iron/aluminum engines and aluminum radiators can create conditions that set up an electrical current in the coolant. The inside surface of the hose becomes a conductor, which causes the material to pit and weaken. Cracks and striations tend to form near the ends of the hose that eventually eat through from the inside out causing the hose to fail.
Hose Warning Signs
- Vehicle overheats
- Coolant light comes on
- Heater does not work
- You smell antifreeze
Belts Are Susceptible To Heat Damage Too
Belts also deteriorate with heat and mileage. Every time a belt passes around a pulley, it bends and flexes. This produces heat in the belt, which hardens the rubber over time. The wear process can be greatly accelerated if the belt is loose and slips. The additional friction between the belt and pulley will make a belt run even hotter. After millions of such journeys around the pulleys, even the best drive belt begins to suffer the effects of age. The rubber begins to crack and fray and the internal cords become weakened and brittle. If your belt breaks, you will lose whatever functions powered by the belt like your water pump, alternator, power steering, and air conditioning.
Warning Signs That You Have Belt Damage
- Your battery or check engine light comes on
- Belts squeal when you turn on or drive your car
- Air conditioning won’t work
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically speaking, vehicle manufacturers do not publish specific mileage intervals for belt and/or hose replacement. Rather, a trained mechanic in Tucson can inspect the hoses for signs of aging, like excessive softness, leaking, or feeling brittle and hard. Belts are inspected for cracking but also for worn ‘tread’ on the belt itself.
Belts and hoses are a wear-and-tear item, so their service life is affected directly by the amount of usage the vehicle gets. Climates that are hotter and drier tend to be harder on rubber components like belts and hoses, but also tires, windshield wipers, etc.