Belts & Hoses Checklist
Ensure your vehicle's reliability with this comprehensive belts and hoses inspection guide. Learn to spot cracks, leaks, and wear before they lead to engine failure or overheating.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
Belts and hoses are the unsung heroes of your engine, responsible for everything from cooling the block to powering the alternator and power steering. Over time, heat, vibration, and chemical exposure cause rubber to degrade, leading to cracks, leaks, or total failure.
A thorough visual and physical inspection typically takes 15–30 minutes for a DIYer. If performed at a professional shop, this is often part of a multi-point inspection. Catching a worn belt early can save you from a $500+ towing and emergency repair bill.
Printable Checklist
A clean, scannable checklist view. (You can export/print from the sidebar.)
| Item | Priority | Who | Time | What to check (Pass/Fail) | If failed (Next step) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serpentine Belt Cracks | Required | DIY | 5 min | Fewer than 3 cracks per inch | Replace belt soon |
| Belt Glazing/Shiny Spots | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | Matte finish; no shiny/smooth spots | Check pulley alignment |
| Belt Tensioner Movement | Required | Shop | 10 min | Smooth movement; no vibration | Replace tensioner assembly |
| Upper Radiator Hose | Required | DIY | 3 min | Firm but flexible; no soft spots | Replace hose immediately |
| Lower Radiator Hose | Required | DIY | 3 min | No collapse; no rubbing on fans | Replace hose and clamps |
| Heater Hoses (Firewall) | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | No swelling at connection points | Trim or replace hose |
| Coolant Reservoir Hose | Optional | DIY | 2 min | No brittle plastic or cracks | Replace small diameter hose |
| Power Steering Hoses | Required | DIY | 5 min | No oily residue or dampness | Tighten clamps or replace |
| Vacuum Lines | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | No hissing sounds; no dry rot | Replace with vacuum tubing |
| Bypass Hose | Required | Shop | 5 min | No bulging near the thermostat | Replace during coolant flush |
| Timing Belt Cover Leak | Required | Shop | 15 min | No oil or coolant weeping from cover | Inspect internal seals |
| Hose Clamp Integrity | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | No rust; tight seal; no weeping | Replace with stainless clamps |
| Belt Edge Fraying | Required | DIY | 2 min | Clean edges; no loose threads | Check for pulley debris |
| Water Pump Weep Hole | Required | Shop | 10 min | Dry; no crusty coolant deposits | Replace water pump |
| Fuel Lines (Engine Bay) | Required | Shop | 5 min | No fuel smell; no cracks | Replace with fuel-rated hose |
| PCV Valve Hose | Recommended | DIY | 3 min | Soft and pliable; not collapsed | Replace hose and PCV valve |
| Brake Booster Vacuum Hose | Required | DIY | 2 min | No cracks; secure fitment | Replace immediately |
| Air Intake Boot | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | No tears in accordion sections | Replace to prevent lean codes |
Use this table as a guide during your bi-annual inspection. Check off each item as you go. If you find any 'Fail' conditions, prioritize the 'Required' items first as they represent the highest risk of engine damage.
Keep a copy of this checklist in your glovebox to track the condition of your rubber components over time. This history is valuable when selling the vehicle or discussing repairs with a mechanic.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Proactive maintenance of rubber components is the most cost-effective way to ensure vehicle longevity.
- Always record the date and mileage of any belt or hose replacement.
- Dispose of old coolant responsibly at a local recycling center or hazardous waste site.
- When replacing a hose, it is best practice to replace the clamps as well.
- Check for 'hidden' hoses behind the engine block using a mirror.
- Look for 'glazing' which looks like a mirror-like finish on the belt's underside.
- Squeeze hoses when the engine is cold; they should feel like a firm radiator, not a soft sponge.
- Ensure no hoses are touching moving parts like cooling fans or belts.
- If one hose fails, consider replacing others of the same age as a precaution.
- Browse our Fluids Checklist to complement this inspection.
- Check out General Inspections for a broader vehicle health check.
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FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
Start from the complete car maintenance checklist, then narrow down by mileage, interval, and season.