Belts and Hoses

Your vehicle has many moving parts. Each depends on either belts or hoses to help them operate at peak performance. Belts help parts move while hoses deliver the liquids to them as needed.

The Kinds of Belts

There are three. Your timing belt is a notched belt that helps turn the engine camshaft and keep the valves and pistons operating in sync. When it fails, your engine will stop running almost immediately. Some vehicles, though, have a timing chain instead. Those are even more durable.

You also have serpentine and drive belts. Serpentine belts work with the tensioner, crank pulley, and idler pulley to move parts like your power steering and alternator. Drive belts work off the crank pulley to help move the water pump and other parts. If either of these breaks, you usually have a little time to deal with the problem.

What Hoses Do

Hoses route fluid to and from parts that need lubricating or cooling. Your radiator and engine are good examples. The radiator sends coolant through hoses to the engine to keep it from overheating, with the fluid returning to the radiator via hoses as well.

How to Spot Belt or Hose Failure

Signs include:

• Fraying belt edges
• Loose or overly slack belts
• Belts that are too tight
• Cracks in the hose material
• Large puddles of liquid underneath your vehicle

Genuine GM Belts and Hoses Work Best

If you have a belt or hose that needs to be replaced, your best choice is to use a new one made by your manufacturer. They offer a guaranteed fit and performance 's unmatched. Our online auto parts department has a complete assortment in stock and ready to ship. Buy now to save time and money!