- First, shut off the engine, and give it time to cool. This is
important, as you will be handling parts that become scalding hot while
your car is being driven, and a moving belt or fan could easily cause
you to lose a finger.
- Once conditions are safe, open the hood and locate the serpentine
belt at the front of the engine. (Some older cars may have more than one
belt, but they will all be in the same area.)
- Check the belt (or belts) for obvious signs of wear. The top or
outer part of a belt should be smooth, with no cracks or frayed edges.
- Bend or twist the belt to check the grooved underside for cracks.
Small cracks in individual grooves are normal, but a crack that is
deeper or wider than a groove could be the start of a break.
- Likewise, check the coolant hoses at the top and bottom of the radiator for any cracks, nicks, scratches or bulges.
- Look for any glassy, hardened spots in the rubber. These indicate heat damage.
- Check the coolant level. Low coolant indicates a leak, which may or
may not be located in the hoses. You can often track leaks by looking
for coolant residue, which is usually white, green or pink.
If the belts or hoses show any of these signs of wear, they should be replaced.
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