Belts and hoses are integral parts in the proper functioning of the engine. These often overlooked parts need to be inspected on a routine basis to avoid untimely (& expensive) breakdowns.
Belts
Drive Belt

A drive belt’s primary function is to connect the engine to front-mounted accessories. Belts come in two different types: The traditional V-belt (cross-section of belt has a V-shape) and the serpentine belt (also called Poly-V, Poly-Rib, Multi-Rib, and Micro-V belt), which uses multiple Vs for more positive contact with its mating pulleys. Please note a drive belt has been traditionally known/described as a fan belt.
Purpose: Drive belts provide power to engine-mounted accessories like the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, mechanical cooling fan and air injection pump. Serpentine belts are now used on almost all vehicles.
Timing Belt
Many of today’s engines also use timing belts (but not all). Some engines still use a timing chain and sprocket arrangement. A timing belt is a precision component with teeth that mesh exactly with its mating sprockets.
Purpose: The timing belt maintains crankshaft-to-camshaft synchronization, keeping valve operation matched to piston position. On some engines, the belt also drives other components. These include the oil pump, water pump and balance shafts.
Hoses
Hoses: Coolant hoses include the upper radiator hose, lower radiator hose, heater hoses and bypass hose (some engines). Purpose: Coolant hoses provide a flexible connection for coolant flow between the engine and the radiator and the engine and the heater core.
Belts (inspect and/or replace)
• Drive belts
• V Belt
• Serpentine Belt
• Timing Belts
• Belt Tensioner
• Belt Pulley
Hoses (inspect and/or replace)
• Upper Radiator Hose
• Lower Radiator Hose
• Heater Hose
• Bypass Hose
• Hose Clamps