Don't wait for belts to make squealing noises before you investigate them. When the engine is cold, look at the belts for signs of cracking, fraying, missing pieces or a shiny, glazed appearance. If you see any of these things, it is time to replace the belt. You can check the tension of the belt by using a belt tension gauge. Hoses need to be examined for small leaks. If you find a leak, wrap the hose with duct tape until you get your car to a mechanic. Next, you want to inspect the car's hoses with a warm engine. After driving the car, shut off the engine and open the hood and look at the hoses to see if there are any spots that are swollen. This indicates a weakness in the hose. Check the coolant level and ensure the proper mixture of water and coolant is present. Both cold and hot weather can shorten the life of a car's battery. Batteries should be tested and replaced if necessary. Clean any corrosion from the terminals. CAA Central Ontario is a not-for-profit club offering insurance, travel and emergency road services. There are 1.7 million CAA members in Ontario and about four million in Canada.
