Has your vehicle begun to make a squeaking noise? This may be due to damage done to your belts and hoses. Over time these components of your car or truck wear down because they endure significant temperature levels under the vehicle’s hood. High temperatures from the engine combined with extreme weather or seasonal changes can result in cracking and hardening of the vehicle’s belts and hoses. This is why Lockett’s Auto Care makes car belt and hose services a part of our regular maintenance services. A drive belt should be inspected for wear, damage, separation of layered sections, missing ribs, severe cracking of belt ribs, and debris buildup. Our belt and hose services examine all these areas to ensure your vehicle is running at peak performance.
Serpentine Belt Repair in Catonsville
The serpentine belt is the primary driver of the accessory systems on an engine. This includes the coolant pump, power steering pump, and sometimes the HVAC compressor. The serpentine belt keeps constant and correct tension on all pulleys.
We recommended that all belts, including the serpentine belt, be replaced every few years. Of course, the wear and tear will vary from vehicle to vehicle. However, a good rule of thumb is to replace the belt every four to seven years. Failure of a serpentine belt can lead to the engine overheating. If the engine has multiple belts, the failure of one usually entangles the others leading to their failure. Worn or damaged belts and hoses are usually the cause of high-pitched squeaking. A loose, worn, or defective power steering pump drive belt makes steering difficult and produces loud and unpleasant noise.
Understand Your Vehicle’s Stretch Belt and Timing Belt
The outward appearance of the stretch belt is similar to that of the serpentine belt. The reinforcing cord of the stretch belt provides unique qualities. Its elastic backing maintains the specified tension within the specified range of usage.
It’s never wise to overlook scheduled service mileage to replace your vehicle’s timing belt. This belt is essential to the operation of an engine because they maintain crankshaft and camshaft synchronization. A broken timing belt can result in severe engine damage.
Timing belts are required to be replaced if any of the following conditions occur:
- Meets or exceeds the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended timing belt service interval.
- The timing belt has been contaminated with coolant or engine oil.
- The timing belt has failed or is missing teeth.
Our technicians make every effort to monitor your vehicle’s belts and hoses.
BELT AND HOSE FAQS
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH LOCKETT’S AUTO CARE
Our team of technicians at Lockett’s Auto Care is eager to help you keep your vehicle running at its highest quality. Part of routine maintenance is monitoring belts and hoses. But this is just one of the services we offer, others include:
- Suspension and steeringÂ
- Lightning and wipers
- Window, door, and interior
- Filter and fluids
- Cooling system
Don’t put off routine maintenance. Reach out to us today at 410.744.4328.