The Belts of Your Car

If you are the kind of person that only looks under the hood of your vehicle if there’s smoke puffing out under it, then you probably have no idea what your vehicle’s belts do or when to get them replaced. The belts are an extremely important part of your vehicle, and you need to know what they do and when to get them replaced.

What Do the Belts Do?

The belts in a vehicle drive the different components of the vehicle, allowing them to function. This includes things like the water pump, power steering, and the alternator. There is also a timing belt on your engine. This belt makes the pistons operate correctly. If that belt were to break, you wouldn’t be going anywhere.

How Do They Work?

The belts are attached to several different engine components by a series of pulleys. The belt runs through all of these pulleys and turns, providing power to all of the engine’s components. Some vehicles only have one serpentine belt that runs everything, while other vehicles have two.

When Should I Replace Them?

It is usually recommended that you change your vehicle’s belts about every 35,000 miles. This includes serpentine belts and timing belts, but many people go longer. Different quality belts last longer. Like most things, you get what you pay for. Also, some belts will have a warranty attached to them. Consult your owner’s manual and talk to your mechanic or automotive technician to decide what belt will be best for your vehicle.

Try to keep track of how old your belt is and if it looks dried out or like it is beginning to crack, then you should probably replace it. Another indicator of a worn-out belt is a loud squeaking noise. Because the belts on your vehicle run just about every important function of the car, it is important to keep track of the condition of your vehicle’s belts.

Want to Replace It Yourself?

If you’re going to replace the belt yourself, take the time to see how it fits. Some of them are a little tricky, and the last thing you want to do is install the belt incorrectly. Take a picture of the belt before you take it off so that you know how the new one should look when you’re done. Also, make sure that you get the correct tension on the belt: too tight and it might not run or it may break something; too loose and it might slip or squeak.

 

 

Posted in Accessories, Engine, Maintenance, Warranty and tagged , , , , , .