Every hour your engine operates, it pumps about 75 hundred gallons of coolant through the hoses at temperatures a little over 200 degrees. This kind of abuse can take it's toll on your coolant hoses, so it's smart to keep an eye on them. Look for swollen areas and cracks. Feel the hoses, checking for soft spots or hardness, both are signs of trouble. Check the clamps, too. You may even want to replace the spring clamps with frequent inspection. With the engine off, roll each belt around and look at the inside surface. Cracks, splits and oil contamination are telltale signs of an aging belt. Inspect both the belts and hoses on a regular basis. And remember, belts over four years old can fail at any time. If one does, replace them all. A broken belt, like a broken hose, can leave a car stranded.
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