Auto Repair Services

Belts & Hoses

Your vehicle’s belts and hoses are involved in processes within the cooling system, air conditioning system, charging system, and engine.

Belts & Hoses

Belts & Hoses

Your vehicle’s belts and hoses are involved in processes within the cooling system, air conditioning system, charging system, and engine. These belts and hoses play crucial roles in functional operations inside your vehicle. The heater hose and radiator hose carry liquid coolant to and from the engine, radiator, and heater core. The timing belt is responsible for maintaining engine precision by synchronizing the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft, which move the engine’s valves and pistons. However, not all vehicles contain timing belts. In place of timing belts, some vehicles use timing chains. On the outside of the engine, the serpentine belt transmits power from the front of the engine to other systems in the vehicle, like the air conditioning system and charging system. Some factors that contribute to wear and tear on your belts and hoses include vehicle age, mileage, belt tension, hose clamp failure, electrochemical degradation, and oil contamination. In the long run, routine maintenance and replacements of your vehicle’s belts and hoses will prevent breakdowns and costly repairs.

Benefits of Belts & Hoses

When compared to other components in your car, belts and hoses have one of the shortest life spans. These items are constantly exposed to engine heat, vehicle vibrations, and harmful chemicals, which all have the potential to cause cracks and leaks. Some symptoms to be aware of for belts and hoses nearing failure include squeaking, screeching, or grinding noises that begin when starting your engine or appear during vehicle operation. It's worth noting that grinding sounds near belts are usually associated with a bad pulley bearing rather than the belt itself, as the pulley bearing may freeze up and ultimately lead to a belt replacement. Other symptoms of a bad belt or hose include loss of power, leaking coolant or other fluids, illuminated dashboard lights, rising steam from the engine, and air conditioning failure. While routine maintenance of belts and hoses is always important, summer is an especially important season to keep an eye under the hood due to increased temperatures, which will accelerate deterioration of the rubber components. Since belts and hoses can be difficult to inspect visually, be sure to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for scheduled maintenance.

Lee's Service provides Belts & Hoses services to Reedley, CA, Fresno, CA, Orange Cove, CA, and other surrounding areas.

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Lee's Service Blog

01 Apr, 2024
As the summer season draws near and temperatures begin to climb, ensuring your car's air conditioning system is in top shape becomes essential for a comfortable driving experience. At Lee's Service, we understand the significance of a reliable AC system, which is why we've crafted this guide to help you get your vehicle ready to beat the heat. 1. Schedule a Professional Inspection: Kickstart your summer preparations by scheduling a comprehensive inspection of your car's air conditioning system with our skilled technicians at Lee's Service. Our experienced team will meticulously assess every aspect of your AC system , checking for leaks, worn-out components, or any potential issues that could affect its performance. Addressing these concerns early on ensures that your AC is ready to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the season. 2. Recharge the Refrigerant: Over time, the refrigerant in your car's AC system may deplete, leading to reduced cooling efficiency. During your inspection, our technicians will evaluate the refrigerant levels and recharge it if necessary to restore optimal cooling performance. This simple yet crucial step ensures that your AC blows cold air consistently, even on the hottest summer days. 3. Clean or Replace the Cabin Air Filter: The cabin air filter plays a vital role in maintaining air quality inside your vehicle's cabin and ensuring proper airflow through the AC system. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dust, pollen, and other contaminants, hindering airflow and reducing cooling efficiency. During your visit to Lee's Service, our technicians will inspect the condition of the cabin air filter and clean or replace it as needed. This not only improves the performance of your AC but also contributes to a healthier interior environment for you and your passengers. 4. Check the Condition of Belts and Hoses: The belts and hoses in your car's AC system are crucial for the proper operation of various components, including the compressor and condenser. Over time, these components can wear out, crack, or develop leaks, leading to AC malfunctions. During your inspection at Lee's Service, our technicians will carefully inspect the condition of belts and hoses and replace any that show signs of wear or damage. This proactive approach helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensures the smooth operation of your AC system throughout the summer months. 5. Test the AC System: Before hitting the road for your summer adventures, it's essential to test your car's AC system to ensure everything is working correctly. Our technicians will perform thorough tests to evaluate cooling performance, airflow, and overall functionality of the system. If any issues are detected during testing, we'll promptly address them to ensure your comfort and safety on the road. Don't let the summer heat compromise your driving experience. With the help of Lee's Service, you can ensure that your car's air conditioning system is ready to keep you cool and comfortable all summer long. Schedule an appointment with us today, and let our experienced technicians take care of your AC needs. Enjoy cool cruising with Lee's Service!
21 Feb, 2024
Understanding your vehicle's tire size can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle. But don't worry, it's not as complicated as it seems! Those numbers and letters on your tires actually tell you important information for keeping your car running smoothly and safely. At Lee's Service, we're here to simplify things for you, so let's break down tire sizes in a way that's easy to understand. The Importance of Tire Size Tires are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road, making them vital for safety, performance, and efficiency. Selecting the appropriate tire size guarantees optimal handling, braking, and overall stability. Moreover, matching tire sizes prevent issues such as speedometer inaccuracies and decreased fuel efficiency. Understanding Tire Size Notations A standard tire size is typically expressed in a format like this: P215/65R15. Let's decipher its components: Tire Type (e.g., P, LT, T): The initial letter denotes the tire's type, such as: P: Passenger car tire LT: Light truck tire T: Temporary spare tire Tire Width (e.g., 215): The three-digit number after the tire type indicates the tire's width in millimeters when properly inflated. Aspect Ratio (e.g., 65): This figure represents the height of the tire's sidewall as a percentage of its width. Construction Type (e.g., R): The letter 'R' signifies radial construction, the most common type for modern tires. Other possibilities include 'D' for diagonal bias ply and 'B' for belted bias. Rim Diameter (e.g., 15): The final number specifies the diameter of the wheel rim in inches, indicating the appropriate wheel size for the tire. Locating Your Tire Size Now that you grasp the components of tire sizing, let's explore where to find this information for your vehicle: Vehicle Manual: Consult your vehicle's manual for tire specifications recommended by the manufacturer. Doorjamb: Check the sticker on the driver's side doorjamb, which typically contains vital details such as tire size, recommended pressure, and load capacity. Glove Compartment: Some vehicles feature tire information on a sticker inside the glove compartment or on the fuel filler door. Existing Tires: If you're replacing existing tires, the tire size is usually printed on the sidewall. However, ensure that the replacement tires match the manufacturer's specifications for your vehicle. Online Resources: Many tire manufacturers and automotive websites provide tools to help you find the right tire size based on your vehicle's make, model, and year. Trust the Experts While understanding tire sizes is beneficial, selecting the appropriate tires for your vehicle involves various considerations, including driving conditions, climate, and personal preferences. At Lee's Service, our knowledgeable technicians are ready to assist you in selecting the perfect tires for your vehicle, ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience. We also have a convenient tire search tool !
a little girl is sitting in a car seat .
12 Jan, 2024
Check Out this comprehensive guide to vehicle Maintenance in Fresno and Reedley, California. Check out what we think is your most important auto maintenance in 2024
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