Car Maintenance Tips - Checking Hoses and Belts

 

Aside from oil changes and tire rotations, regular car maintenance includes checking hoses and belts. Here are some tips for checking these important items. Replace the hoses when they become hard or sticky, or make a crunching noise while driving. Hose walls may also collapse or bulge when warm, causing the engine to overheat. Hoses also connect various parts of the vehicle, such as the power brakes and cruise control. Visit this website to know more.

Checking the coolant level

Checking the coolant level in your car is a vital car maintenance tip. Coolant is the liquid that transfers heat and regulates engine temperature. Without proper amounts, your vehicle could suffer from engine overheating and even breakdown. It also contains important additives to ensure that your engine runs smoothly. By checking the coolant level regularly, you can prevent serious problems from arising.

If the coolant is too low, you may notice no heat at all, or you might notice that the radiator is no longer receiving sufficient cooling. Low coolant levels can damage engine components, and can also lead to engine overheating. Aside from causing expensive damage, low coolant levels can also lead to dangerous electrolysis, which can damage the engine. To prevent such problems, check the coolant level as a car maintenance tip. 

Checking the tire pressure

One of the most basic but crucial car maintenance tips is checking the tire pressure. While most vehicles have a tire pressure gauge, the exact measurement is different for every vehicle. The tire pressure can easily be wrongly read because the gauge isn't accurate. If it keeps reading higher than what is recommended by the manufacturer, then you should change the tire pressure. If you can't find the tire pressure gauge, you can use a tire pump.

You should check your tire pressure at least once a month or before going on a long trip. The first step is to unscrew the valve stem and place a tire pressure gauge over it. Push firmly to ensure a secure seal. Alternatively, you can use a pen or fingernail to press down on the metal stem located in the center of the valve. Repeat the process as needed.

Checking the belt

If you want to ensure the proper functioning of your car, checking the belt is an essential part of car maintenance. Properly aligned pulleys help your car perform at its optimum level. Checking the belt's tension is especially important as a loose belt may cause the timing belt to slip off its pulley and affect the performance of the connected components. Besides, a loose belt may cause your car to overheat.

When looking for wear in your car's belt, look for cracks and missing pieces. These are warning signs of wear and increase the likelihood of the belt breaking. Moreover, uneven belt wear means the belt is too old or needs to be replaced. Incorrect belt alignment can cause the belt to snap, which can be expensive. To ensure proper operation of your car's belt, check the belts at regular intervals.

Checking the headlights

Checking the headlights as part of your car maintenance is a must, and most automotive professionals recommend checking them once a year. To check them, park on an even surface in the dark, turn on the car's headlights, and check them on both sides to ensure that they are working properly. Check the turn signals and parking lights as well. Have a friend stand behind the car to make sure that they are functioning properly.

Some cars come with built-in headlight washers. This makes cleaning the headlights a breeze, and it only takes a few seconds. Some vehicles also have built-in bubble levelers, but you can still check whether these are in place. If they are not, remove any objects that might be off-balancing the headlights' balance. Next, drive your car close to a plain wall, if possible.

Checking the power steering fluid

When you're performing regular car maintenance, checking the power steering fluid is an important step. Although most new vehicles use electric power steering systems, many older cars still utilize hydraulic power steering systems, which require regular checks. Low power steering fluid levels can cause the steering wheel to make unusual noises and cause a whine. Here are some symptoms to look out for and how to ensure your steering wheel is working at its best.

The reservoir for power steering fluid is located under the hood. Some power steering systems feature a remote reservoir. Look for the reservoir with the word "Steering" embossed on the top. In most cases, the reservoir has a cap with a small dipstick that lets you check the level without having to remove the cap. If the reservoir is dark or has an unusual odor, it's time to replace or flush the fluid.