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Services >> Belts, Wipers & Cooling System
Belts, Wipers and Cooling System
What It Does
The cooling system removes heat from the engine to keep it running at the proper temperature. In the cooling system, belts drive the water pump, circulating coolant throughout the system.
The wiper system keeps the windshield clear of rain, snow and miscellaneous environmental debris.
Service and Maintenance
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Maintain proper coolant levels and check level monthly (Note: Never attempt to remove a radiator cap while the engine is hot. Serious injury could result). |
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Replace coolant with a mixture of antifreeze and water according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. |
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Inspect engine belts for cracks or missing sections; check belt tension |
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Evaluate radiator and radiator cap for leaks, corrosion, worn cap gasket |
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Examine hoses every 12 months. Look for leaks, cracks or rot. Replace when showing signs of wear |
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Tighten any host clamps. Replace clamps when replacing hoses |
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Have cooling system inspected immediately if instrument panel-mounted temperature gauge indicates engine overheating |
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Periodically, remove bugs, leaves and other debris from the front of the radiator. They can block airflow and substantially reduce cooling efficiency |
Did You Know?
The best way to check a coolant hose for degradation is to squeeze the hose hear the clamps or connectors using the following procedures:
- Always make sure the engine is cool before inspecting the cooling system
- Use your fingers and thumb (not the whole hand) to check for hose weakness
- Squeeze near the clamps or connectors as most hose failures occur in this area
- Check for any noticeable difference in feel between the middle and ends of the hose
- If the end feel soft or mushy, replacement is recommended
1
Timing Belt/Chain
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Function:
Ensures the synchronization of the engine's camshaft, crankshaft, distributor (if equipped) and water pump.
Signs of Wear:
Wear: Engine stops, engine backfiring.
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2
V-Ribbed Serpentine Belt
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Function:
Transfers power from the crankshaft to the alternator.
Signs of Wear:
Cracking, splitting and/or squealing belt, dimming headlights while driving, loss of battery charge.
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3
Radiator Hose and Clamps
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Function:
The hoses route coolant throughout the engine while the hose clamps secure the hoses in place.
Signs of Wear:
Indications of hose leaking, cracking, splitting, hardening, brittleness or lack of heat in vehicle cabin.
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4
Washer Pump Package
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Function:
Transfers washer fluid from the fluid reservoir to the windshield.
Signs of Wear:
Lack of cleaning fluid spray on windshield when pump is activated.
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5
Wiper Blades
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Function:
Clear water, snow, ice and miscellaneous debris from the windshield.
Signs of Wear:
Streaking, chattering/skipping across windshield, worn or split rubber, bent wiper frame.
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6
Wiper Arms
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Function:
Serve as the mounting surface for the wiper blades.
Signs of Wear:
Erratic wiping pattern, arm(s) won't pivot.
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7
Water Pump
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Function:
Circulates coolant through the radiator and engine system to maintain proper engine temperature.
Signs of Wear:
Engine overheating, leaking coolant, excessive looseness in water pump shaft, rumbling noise in pump.
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8
Radiator and Cap
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Function:
The radiator transfers heat from the engine's coolant to the outside air while the radiator cap seals and pressurizes the cooling system.
Signs of Wear:
Radiator: Leaking, engine overheating, rusting, physical damage.
Cap: Lack of pressure in cooling system, vapor escaping from the cap, ill-fitting cap, worn gasket. (Note; Never attempt to remove a radiator cap while the engine is hot. Serious injury could result).
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9
Thermostat
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Function:
Maintains proper engine operating temperature and allows the engine to warm up faster.
Signs of Wear:
Engine overheating, lack of available heat in the vehicle cabin, reduced fuel economy.
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10
Engine Cooling Motor
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Function:
Drives the radiator fan to move additional air through the radiator
Signs of Wear:
Engine overheating, fan doesn't turn, squealing noise.
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