All of those fluids that we learned about in the previous editions of our automotive maintenance "how to" series, they travel to their designated engine destinations, through hoses, and most of the engine parts have a belt that assists them to do what they are supposed to do. During the times between regular tune-ups, you need to make sure that all of your hoses and belts are in good condition, and are securely connected to the parts of your engine that they need to be connected to.

Accidents and breakdowns can occur if a hose is leaking a vital fluid, or comes loose and also if a belt that powers an engine part snaps or slips off. Checking to make sure that none of these things are likely to happen is an easy task, and one that could save you from being stranded somewhere or least save you some money on repairs.

How to check your hoses 1. Open up the hood, while the engine is off, and cold. Never try to touch any hose in your engine while the engine is running or hot, you could easily be burned.2. Not all cars have the same number of hoses, or use hoses for the same parts. But every car will have at least three, the upper radiator hose, the lower radiator hose, and the heater hose, these are the coolant hoses.3. These hose provide a flow conduit between the engine and the heating block, and the radiator and the engine.4. Visually scrutinize each hose for any noticeable cracks, rips, and loose connections.5. Squeeze each hose, if the hose feels spongy, brittle, or lumpy, the hose needs to be replaced.6. If any of the hoses are coming disconnected, tighten the clamp or the connector. You can tell if they are loose by pulling lightly on the ends, or if you can see that the hose is wet or leaking, where it is attached.

There are various belts for different parts of your engine, not all cars will need the same type, for the same component. Knowing what types of belts are in your engine will help you know where and what to look for when performing this maintenance check.

Timing belt/Gilmer belt/Camshaft belt A notched rubber belt that allows the crankshaft to turn the camshaft. If the timing belt snaps or slips, your engine will stop working completely. A damaged or stripped timing belt causes a great deal of costly repair work. Serpentine belts/Drive belts These belts provide the power to the power steering pump, the air conditioning compressor pump, the air injection pump, the cooling fan, the clutch, the brakes, and other engine parts as well, depending on the make and model of vehicle. Any engine part that uses a belt will stop functioning if its belt slips or breaks.

To check the condition of your belts. 1. While the engine is off, and cool, do a visual and a touch test to check the condition of the belts. Trying to check a belt while the engine is running could cost you a finger or your entire hand.2. Look carefully at all of the belts that you can see, check for any sign of stripping, cracking, fraying, and slipping.3. To check the tension of the belts, refer to your owner's manual, in most cases, no belt should have a give of over an inch. Pull or push lightly on the belt to judge the amount of give. 4.Any belt that feels spongy, fragile, or brittle should be replaced.

That is the last bit of monthly maintenance knowledge that the average car owner should have to keep their car running smoothly between recommended tune-ups. You are now ready to give your car a very thorough maintenance check.