The folks at East Bay Authorized Service Center in Pleasanton, CA want to take a moment to emphasize how important belts and hoses are to the proper function of your vehicle. Hoses allow coolant and other fluids to get through the engine while it's running at high pressures and temperatures while the belts ensure that the many parts that need to move in a timely manner can do so.
Whining noises from the engine may be an indication that a belt is broken or a hose is cracked. You may also be able to see cracks, holes, or other visible damage upon a physical inspection.
Failing to fix a timing belt or hose could result in catastrophic damage to the engine, which could cost thousands of dollars to replace. In some cases, damage to either of these components may render the car permanently inoperable.