Skill Level: Easy / DIY
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This service requires a basic level of car knowledge and can be done easily in your garage.
Checking your Belts and Hoses
Making sure your belts and hoses are in good condition will help you identify potential problems before they occur. When a belt snaps or a hose give out your engine will either completely stop or sputter with fluids escape and get all over your engine.
Before you start give your vehicle a couple hours to cool down before starting your inspection.
Checking your Belts
The primary belt that you will be look at is your Serpentine Belt. This is the belt that runs through your engine sending power from your crankshaft to the different pumps, alternator, and compressor. Inspect the belt and make sure there are no cracks and that the belt hasn't separated in parts.
Your belts should be tight and crack free, sometimes they can come loose and cause slipping / squealing.
If you see signs of cracking or tearing, its best to get this to your mechanic to replace. If you have the skills and tools to replace the belt, it can be done in your garage, but it can be tricky depending on your vehicle. When in doubt let the professionals handle it.
Checking your Hoses
Making sure your hoses are not cracked will help keep your engine running efficiently. Inspect each hose with the engine bay, looking for crack and signs of leaks. Liquid leaks are usually visible by unusual coloring within the engine bay.
After you have inspected all the hoses, turn your vehicle on and listen for any air leaks. Sometimes you can hear hoses leaking before you will see them. If you're not comfortable looking in your engine with the hood open, that's okay. The visual inspections with the engine off will help you catch most hose issues.
Make sure there are no signs of deterioration when inspecting the hoses.
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