Belts & Hoses

Small Parts. Big Impact.
Your vehicle’s belts and hoses may be small, but they’re vital to its operation. From keeping your engine cool to running your power steering and alternator, we make sure these unsung heroes stay in top shape—before they leave you stranded.

Signs Your Car May Need Belt Or Hose Replacement

1. Squealing or Chirping Noises

Squealing or chirping noises coming from your car can often indicate issues with the belts and hoses. These sounds are typically caused by a loose or worn-out serpentine belt, which drives multiple components like the alternator, air conditioning, and power steering. A squeal may also signal a misalignment or tension problem with the belt. Additionally, hoses, especially those related to the cooling or braking system, can cause high-pitched sounds if they are cracked, leaking, or under excessive pressure. Addressing these issues early can prevent further damage to your vehicle’s engine and associated parts.

2. Visible Cracks or Fraying

Visible cracks or fraying on your car’s belts and hoses are clear signs of wear and tear, indicating that they may need to be replaced. Belts, such as the serpentine or timing belt, can develop cracks due to constant friction and exposure to heat, which compromises their effectiveness in powering various engine components. Fraying, which typically appears as worn edges or fibers, suggests that the belt is starting to break down and could snap if not addressed. Similarly, hoses that are cracked, bulging, or showing signs of fraying can lead to leaks, fluid loss, and potential engine damage if left unchecked. Regularly inspecting belts and hoses for visible damage is crucial to maintaining your vehicle’s performance and preventing costly repairs.

3. Overheating Engine

An overheating engine is often a sign of failing belts or hoses, particularly those involved in the cooling system. A worn or broken belt can prevent the water pump from circulating coolant, while a cracked or leaking hose can lead to coolant loss. Both issues reduce the engine’s ability to stay cool, increasing the risk of serious damage.

4. Loss of Power Steering or A/C

A sudden loss of power steering or air conditioning can indicate a problem with your car’s serpentine belt. This belt drives multiple systems, including the power steering pump and A/C compressor. If it becomes loose, worn, or breaks entirely, these components can stop working, making steering difficult and causing the A/C to fail. Prompt inspection and replacement are key to restoring full functionality.

Call To Schedule

Reliable Belt & Hose Inspections And Replacement

Exposure to heat, vibration and sometimes contamination causes the belts and hoses to wear out faster than most other components in your car. This is why getting your car inspected regularly is so crucial. Here are the belt and hose types in your car, along with their applications. While many accessories found in your car are powered by the charging system, others actually use the engine itself as their source of power.

This type of power is delivered by a system of pulleys and belts. Some examples of these accessories include the alternator, the water pump for engine cooling, the power steering pump, the air conditioning compressor, and the radiator cooling fan. Many of the late model cars use a single serpentine belt rather than the individual belts to drive these accessories.

The hoses that carry your car’s fluids are made of two layers of rubber with a layer of fabric found in between. Typical hoses include:

Radiator & Heater Hoses

These hoses carry coolant to the engine and heater core.

Fuel Hoses

Transports gasoline from the tank to the engine.

Power Steering Hoses

They connect the power steering pump to the steering gear.

The most trusted muffler and exhaust repairs in Dutchess County

We recommend having your exhaust system inspected at least once a year. But if you hear loud noises coming from your muffler, your muffler is dragging on the ground, or you smell strong exhaust odors, your best bet is to bring it in sooner rather than later.

How do I know I need my muffler and exhaust system checked?

Call To Schedule

Prevent Breakdowns – Get Your Belts & Hoses Inspected Today!

Worn belts and cracked hoses can lead to serious engine damage and unexpected breakdowns. At Metric Motors, our technicians inspect, replace, and maintain these vital components to keep your vehicle running smoothly and reliably.