At the tail end of summer, you might start to notice issues in your car. Due to the summer heat, the rubber parts of your vehicle might need to be replaced because of popping, cracking, and other strains. When a belt or hose fails, your car can experience an overheated engine, loss of power steering, or loss of the electrical charging system. If you are not sure when, why, and how, here is the breakdown of replacing the rubber parts of your car!
Cooling System Rubber Parts
Keeping your cooling system well-maintained is important to keep the rest of your car functioning. When the radiator hose is broken, you will hear a popping sound. You should replace the radiator hose around every 80,000 to 100,000 miles, which is around $200.000 to $300.00. If left untreated, you risk heating up your car and causing more expensive damage to your engine.
Steering and Suspension Rubber Parts
There are many bushings that are used when mounting your car and are important for keeping your car from handling in unsafe ways. Keep the mounts lubricated for peak engine stability and if you hear a clunk when going over bumps, make sure to get them checked out.
Tires
Check your tires monthly to insure that tire pressure and tread are where they need to be. Lower tire pressure and tread are huge safety issues for you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
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Rubber Belts
Timing belts are most common in Japanese manufactured cars and vans, however, when not replaced around every 80,000 to 100,000 miles, you risk it breaking and damaging the valves, pistons, or water pump. Replacing a timing belt before it is broken costs around $500.00 to $900.00, replacing a broken timing belt is around $2,000.00 or more.
Pulley belts should be checked up on every oil change and are cheaper to replace when they are cracked instead of broken. You can buy belt kits online to help replace pulley belts. If you are doing the repair yourself, make sure to take your time and perform it with the most care. If you do not feel comfortable performing this task, go to a mechanic.