At Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, we see a lot of problems caused by neglected hose, belt, and filter maintenance. These items are durable and last a long time, but not forever, and rarely give warning before they start causing trouble. For this reason, people often find themselves inconvenienced by a failed belt, hose, or filter; it’s one of those things that simply slip your mind until it causes you trouble.

Rubber belts experience two types of wear; mechanical, and age. When your engine is running, your belts are wearing out. The belts drive everything on your engine - the alternator, water pump, A/C, power steering, and even the camshafts and valve train. Constant wear and tear from moving pulleys coupled with repeated heating up and cooling down eventually wear a belt out completely. Belts also dry rot with age and become weak and brittle after years of contact with the environment. Belts are necessary for your electrical, charging, and cooling system to operate - if one of them snaps, you’ll likely find yourself stranded. A timing belt can cause far worse problems, likely costing you an engine. Proper inspection and replacement is key to maintaining a reliable vehicle.

Hoses are also susceptible to wear from heating and cooling, and age. Hoses generally contain pressure, which constantly puts stress on them while the engine is running. For this reason, a small tear or pinhole can quickly develop into something much more serious, and suddenly you are rapidly losing coolant, fuel, or vacuum. Damage can occur from moving parts, repeated expansion, or dry rot. Hoses should be changed before a problem arises if they are visibly cracked, damaged, or worn...broken hoses cause huge messes, overheating, fire hazards, and are generally inconvenient.

Modern fuel filters tend to be overlooked during maintenance as well...since they last a long time and are tucked away in discreet locations, many car owners forget to have them changed at correct intervals. A clogged filter results in strain on the fuel pump, misfires, low power, etc., as it starves the engine of fuel. Fuel filters are cheap and easy to replace; if your manual recommends a filter change or you can’t remember the last time it was done, have a new one installed. Air and oil filters are part of routine maintenance, and while they are certainly important, a reputable shop will always inspect them or recommend replacement. Fuel filters can’t be checked and don’t get replaced every 3,000 miles, so it’s important not to forget about them.

If you’re experiencing trouble from failed belts, hoses, or filters, or think it may be time to have them inspected or changed, come see one of our expert mechanics at Mercie J Auto Care . One of our technicians will be happy to take a look at your car, truck, or SUV and advise you on what to do next. For any other problems, from oil changes, to leaks, to air conditioning systems, to head repair, drop by Mercie J Auto Care and see for yourself what we can do for you.

Check Every 3 Months/ 3,000 Miles

Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Dashboard Indicator Light On
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil
Exhaust
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid

Check Every 6 Months/6,000 Miles

Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Chassis Lubrication
Dashboard Indicator Light On
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil
Exhaust
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wiper Blades

Check Every 9 Months/ 9,000 Miles

Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Dashboard Indicator Light On
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil
Exhaust
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Tire Inflation and Condition
Windshield Washer Fluid

Check every 12 Months/ 12,000 miles

Automatic Transmission Fluid
Battery and Cables
Belts
Brakes
Cabin Air Filter
Chassis Lubrication
Dashboard Indicator Light On
Coolant (Antifreeze)
Engine Air Filter
Engine Oil
Exhaust
Hoses
Lights
Power Steering Fluid
Steering and Suspension
Tire Inflation and Condition
Wheel Alignment
Windshield Washer Fluid
Wiper Blades