Belts & Hoses

Belt It or Hose It: Ensure Your Belts & Hoses Are Road-Ready!


Belts and hoses don’t get as much attention as many other parts of an engine, but they play a major role in keeping your vehicle on the road and running. If a belt or hose fails, it can cause major problems that are costly to repair.  Exhaust Plus - Complete Auto Repair can perform regular maintenance and repairs to keep your belts and hoses in tip-top shape, improving performance and extending the life of your vehicle. 

Types of Vehicle Belts

The number and types of belts in your vehicle will depend on its make and model, but these are some common ones: 


Serpentine Belt

This belt connects several different components. Because of this, it follows a serpentine path throughout your engine. It drives the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioning compressor. People also refer to it as the drive belt or the fan belt. 


Timing Belt

Engines with overhead camshafts use a timing belt — or sometimes a timing chain — to synchronize the crankshaft and camshaft. It opens and closes the engine's valves so it can perform efficiently. 


V-Belt

Engine components such as the engine cooling fan, air injection pump, and air compressor rely on a V-belt to function. It gets its name from the V-shaped pulleys it runs on. 


Types of Vehicle Hoses

Hoses perform many functions in your engine. They carry fluids, such as coolant, fuel, and hydraulic fluid, between different engine components. They’re usually made of rubber or synthetic materials. Some common hoses include: 


Radiator Hose

Your engine gets very hot, and your radiator helps regulate its temperature to prevent overheating. A radiator hose, also called a coolant hose, allows coolant to flow throughout the engine. 


Fuel Hose

Your fuel hose takes gasoline — or diesel — from the fuel tank to the engine, where it can be used to power your vehicle. Fuel hoses have to be substantial to withstand pressure and chemicals in the fuel system. 


Brake Hose

Your brakes need hydraulic fluid to function. Brake hoses move hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes so they can perform their job. 


Power Steering Hose 

Your power steering system lets you easily control your vehicle with little effort. As with the brake hoses, power steering hoses carry hydraulic fluid — power steering fluid — from the power steering pump to the power gear for easier handling.


Heater Hoses

The heater core is an important part of your vehicle’s heating system. Heater hoses transport hot coolant fluid from the engine to the heater core, where it can be used for defrosting or heating your vehicle’s interior. 


Vacuum Hoses

Several of your engine components use vacuum hoses, such as the brake booster, HVAC, and emissions control systems. Instead of fluid, these hoses transmit vacuum pressure so these components can function. 


Preventive Maintenance for Belts & Hoses

Your belts and hoses naturally wear out over time. At Exhaust Plus - Complete Auto Repair, we can perform preventive maintenance and inspect for signs of hose deterioration and make a belt tension adjustment as needed — before they lead to bigger problems and more costly repairs. 


We check for signs of belt wear, cracks, fraying, bulges, hose leaks, or other damage. We also inspect for belt alignment or missing hose clamps. 

You should always follow the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule for belts and hoses. When necessary, Exhaust Plus - Complete Auto Repair can quickly and efficiently replace hoses and belts and ensure optimal performance with a belt tensioner. 


Flushing your coolant system as recommended will also help prevent damage to your hoses by removing debris and other contaminants that can wear them down. 


Warning Signs That Belts & Hoses May Need Service or Replacement

If you notice any of the following signs, bring your vehicle into Exhaust Plus - Complete Auto Repair for immediate inspection. Belts and hoses are inexpensive parts that can usually be replaced. However, if they fail while you’re driving, they can cause catastrophic damage to your engine. 


  • Belt squeal or chirping sounds
  • Belt cracks or fraying
  • Steering difficulty 
  • Battery warning light
  • Hose damage, such as cracks, bulges, or leaks
  • Engine hissing sounds 
  • Coolant leaks
  • Radiator overheating
  • Air conditioner failure


Exhaust Plus - Complete Auto Repair is the Premiere Provider of Belt & Hose Services and Replacements 

Exhaust Plus - Complete Auto Repair is proud to be the go-to destination for affordable, high-quality vehicle services in West Salem, WI. Please stop in to see us at 1401 Crestwood Ave, West Salem, WI 54669 or call us at (608) 786-5400 to schedule an appointment.