Your car’s serpentine belt is sort of like a large rubber band that helps to power multiple important engine accessories. It’s sometimes called a drive belt, fan belt, or accessory belt. A broken serpentine belt can lead to all sorts of issues, so it’s important to inspect it regularly and replace it before breaks can happen.
How does a serpentine belt work?
A serpentine belt wraps around your engine’s crankshaft and multiple accessory pulleys, transferring power from the crankshaft to the alternator, air conditioner compressor, power steering pump, and sometimes the water pump. Most vehicles also have an idler puller and a belt tensioner with the serpentine belt. The idler puller helps prevent slippage by keeping the belt at a good angle on the accessory pulleys. The belt tensioner helps to maintain tension in the belt. When engines don’t include a belt tensioner, the tension has to be manually set.
Serpentine Belts vs. Timing Belts
Serpentine belts are not the same as timing belts, though both belts are important. Timing belts are housed inside of the engine, and they synchronize the camshaft and the crankshaft. Serpentine belts are also connected to the crankshaft, but they’re located outside of the engine.
Timing belts and serpentine belts may look similar, but there are some important distinctions. A timing belt will have “teeth-like” grooves that are horizontal to the length of the belt. These keep the belt on the inner cogwheels. A serpentine belt, on the other hand, will have grooves that run vertical to the belt’s length.
Although these belts have different locations and serve different purposes, they’re both vital for the function of your engine. They also tend to last around the same amount of time, so replacing one may mean it’s time to replace the other as well.
When should you replace a serpentine belt?
Serpentine belts can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles depending on driving habits, climate, and other factors. Once you reach 50,000 miles, you should have it checked regularly for signs of wear and tear. A serpentine belt is not something you want to ignore. If you don’t replace it before it breaks, you may run into issues with your engine overheating (because serpentine belts power water pumps) or failing to power up (because they also power alternators).
Signs to Watch Out For
Serpentine belts are made out of thick rubber material, and while there have been great advancements in this rubber over the years, it is still rubber, and it will still wear down with enough heat, friction, and time. Here are some signs that you need to replace your serpentine belt.
- Squealing or Chirping Sounds—Squealing or chirping sounds from your engine often mean the serpentine belt is damaged, needs to be realigned, or needs a tension adjustment.
- Cracking and Fraying—If you see visible signs of wear and tear on your serpentine belt, replace it. Cracking and fraying can lead to breaking, and a broken serpentine belt can lead to other, more expensive damage.
- Power Steering Failure—Because the serpentine belt helps to power your power steering pump, a decrease in power steering performance or a failure can indicate a problem with the belt.
- Engine Overheating—Engines often overheat as a result of cooling system issues. Your serpentine belt may be to blame if it’s failing to power the water pump.
- Dashboard Lights—If you see either a check engine light or a battery warning light, this might be a problem with your serpentine belt. The check engine light may come on because of an issue with your serpentine belt or tensioner, and the battery warning light may come on if the alternator isn’t getting enough power.
Call Restored Auto, LLC for help with your serpentine belt.
Don’t wait until your serpentine belt breaks to have it replaced. Protect your engine with regular maintenance, and have your serpentine belt inspected regularly by Restored Auto, LLC. Call us today to schedule an appointment.