Hogan Tire

Of all the equipment in your vehicle, belts and hoses generally wear out first. The constant exposure to heat, vibration, and harmful chemicals invariably crack these components causing them to leak, fray, and peel. If they are not properly maintained and regularly replaced, this could spell disaster for the performance of your vehicle. Evaluating the condition of your belts and hoses just on their appearance is not enough! Professional inspection is required, and at Hogan Tire we have the experts here to do it right. Here is an example of how our technicians ensure belt and hose quality:

Visual Inspection of Belts

• We search for clear indications of damage (cracking, glazing, softening, or peeling)
• We test for correct tension
• We check for correct alignment
• We record belt condition for future reference

Visual Inspection of Hoses

• Our technicians search for clear indications of damage (leaks, cracks, hardening, or softening)
• They test your cooling system for leaks using state-of-the-art pressure technology
• They record hose condition for future reference

It is vital to have your vehicle's belts and hoses inspected on a regular basis. Often a damaged piece will have serious effects on the safety and condition of your vehicle. Research shows that while most people pay attention when it comes to their regular oil changes, yet they devote hardly any concern at all to the condition of their belts and hoses. A leaking hose or a cracked belt will cause you more trouble than an overdue oil change ever will! The following is a brief description of some of the different belts and hoses we inspect:

Drive Belts:

• The engine itself is used as a power source to drive some of your vehicle's accessories. Instead of being supplied by electric power, these accessories rely on a series of pulleys and belts to operate. Some of these accessories include:
  
  • Power steering pump
  • Alternator
  • Air conditioning compressor
  • Radiator cooling fan
  • Water pump

Some older vehicles just require a single serpentine belt to power these accessories (as opposed to several individual belts).

Hoses:

• If you think of hoses as your vehicle's circulatory system, you will have a better idea of how important they are. Channeling car fluids to their correct destination, hoses are composed of two rubber layers with fabric in between. Types of hoses vary on make and model, but typically they include:
  
  • Fuel hose (sends gasoline from the gas tank to the engine)
  • Radiator hose (delivers coolant to engine)
  • Power steering hose (connects power steering pump to steering equipment)
  • Heater hose (provides coolant to heater core)