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Everything You Need to Know About Your Car’s Serpentine Belt

In the old days, most vehicles used to have several different belts under the hood. In the modern world, many new cars only have one belt. This critically important belt is called the ‘serpentine belt’, and if it breaks, your car will be all but inoperable. At Elite RV & Car Care, we offer top-quality belt and hose repair services in Humble, TX. Here, our automotive professionals highlight the most important things that you need to know about your vehicle’s serpentine belt.

What Does the Serpentine Belt Do?

The serpentine belt is a long, large rubber belt that supplies power to your vehicle’s most important components. It connects things like your alternator, power steering, water pump, and air conditioning system to the part of car’s engine that supplies power (the crankshaft). If this belt is not working properly, none of these automotive components will work either.  

You Should Always Watch for Signs of ‘Wear and Tear’

Serpentine belts are designed to operate for a long time. While the lifespan of belts can vary, most last for somewhere between 50,000 miles and 100,000 miles. That being said, you should always keep a close eye on your specific belt. Drivers need to look for any signs or symptoms of belt wear and tear. Some of the most common examples include:

1.  Squeaking or squealing;
2.  Damage to the belt, including cracks and glazing;
3.  System performance problems; and
4.  The vehicle’s check engine light suddenly turning on.

If you see any early warning signs that indicate a problem with your serpentine belt, you need to take immediate action. A broken serpentine belt can cause catastrophic problems to your vehicle. If a belt suddenly breaks or stops working, your vehicle will likely become inoperable. Beyond the immense headache of your car unexpectedly breaking down, the broken belt may also cause severe damage to valuable component parts, including your car’s engine.

Get Your Serpentine Belt Inspected and Replaced

When it comes to your belts, the best thing you can do to protect your vehicle is to make sure that you are getting a regular inspection. It is highly recommended that you get your serpentine belt inspected by an experienced automotive professional every time you get your car’s oil changed. Your mechanic will be able to ensure that your belt is still in good shape. If necessary, your mechanic can easily have your serpentine belt replaced. It is not worth the risk to drive on an old and decaying belt. Simply put, that is a disaster waiting to happen. With an old belt, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Contact Our Top Rated Humble, TX Auto Mechanics Today

At Elite RV & Car Care, our auto technicians have extensive experience diagnosing and repairing issues involving belts and hoses. We are proud to offer top quality automotive services, at competitive prices. To schedule an appointment for your vehicle, please contact our skilled auto mechanics today. We look forward to assisting you!