What is a Serpentine Belt?

Posted April 25, 2017

Your vehicle contains complex systems of electronics, belts, hoses, and mechanics to move you along the road. Because it is so complex, it’s important to keep up with preventative maintenance – even for the parts you may not have hear of, like the serpentine belt.

The serpentine belt connects the alternator, power steering, and A/C to the engine, specifically the crankshaft. This rubber belt transfers the power from the engine to those components.

Like most preventative maintenance, changing the serpentine belt on schedule can help prevent breakdowns and further damage from a broken belt. Over time, the rubber belts can crack and wear down from the heat in the engine. These should be replaced before the cracking worsens and breaks.

Follow your vehicle maintenance guide’s recommendation for when to replace the serpentine belt. Signs of failure include:

• Fraying, tearing, or cracking
• Squealing noises
• Difficulty steering
• Vibration
• Loss of power

When the serpentine belt fails, it usually means loss of power to the components it connects to the engine. The steering assist will lose power, meaning it will be very difficult to steer, turn, and navigate your vehicle. This can be a significant danger and hazard on the road!

Don’t wait until your vehicle breaks down – bring it into Chase Automotive for a thorough inspection.

The serpentine belt and other components in your vehicle can be checked as part of your routine vehicle inspections. Our experienced technicians will alert you to any issues with the belt, like fraying or recommended manufacturer maintenance.

Please call our certified professionals at 303.344.4670  at the first warning sign – noises, smells, vibration, and changes in performance can all indicate a problem. Have your vehicle inspected for belt damage before it turns into a serious safety concern.

Request an appointment online for our independent auto repair shop in Aurora.

Categories: Auto Repair Aurora

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