Car Service – Checking & Replacing Engine Belts
Have you thought about all the different kinds of belts that exist in your car or truck? They are easy to forget about until one of them unexpectedly snaps, leading to an untimely and costly car repair. Automotive belts, including serpentine belts and V-belts, need a regular truck or car service, and then eventual replacement. The belts in vehicles aren't that different than the belts that hold up trousers. They need to fit properly and stay in place, and if they break, sag, or wear out, they need to be replaced.
An engine compartment is a punishing environment, and while auto belts are made of materials designed to be both flexible and tough, they will eventually wear out due to the extreme temperatures. These belts perform crucial tasks--driving accessories such as the alternator and water pump. Because many of the systems in your automobile depend on belts to get the job done, when one breaks, power is lost, vehicles shut down, and drivers and passengers are left stranded.
Complete failure (snapping) is not the only problem. Stretched or partially torn belts don't maintain the proper tension, which is what keeps many parts running at peak efficiency. When the belt loosens up over time, efficiency drops and is prone to partial tears and eventual failure.
Checking & Changing Belts When Necessary
It is advisable to peek under the hood once a month to inspect your vehicle's belts. Never assume a belt is okay by sight alone. Turn them over and inspect them for cracking or fraying. If anything looks a bit suspicious, it's time to schedule a car service and ask your auto mechanic to take a look.
Check your owner's manual to ensure you're on the right track for belt replacement. For example, serpentine belts last around 50,000 miles or four to five years while V-belts have an increased chance of failure around 36,000 miles or three to four years. Timing belts last longer – about 60,000 miles.
It is advisable to have your vehicle's belts professionally inspected on a regular basis with a truck or car service. An inspection doesn't take long and can save you money further down the road by preventing more serious car repair issues that are caused when belts break entirely.
If you have questions about the belts in your vehicle, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair for more information about car service and to schedule a truck or car service. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
Have you thought about all the different kinds of belts that exist in your car or truck? They are easy to forget about until one of them unexpectedly snaps, leading to an untimely and costly car repair. Automotive belts, including serpentine belts and V-belts, need a regular truck or car service, and then eventual replacement. The belts in vehicles aren't that different than the belts that hold up trousers. They need to fit properly and stay in place, and if they break, sag, or wear out, they need to be replaced.
An engine compartment is a punishing environment, and while auto belts are made of materials designed to be both flexible and tough, they will eventually wear out due to the extreme temperatures. These belts perform crucial tasks--driving accessories such as the alternator and water pump. Because many of the systems in your automobile depend on belts to get the job done, when one breaks, power is lost, vehicles shut down, and drivers and passengers are left stranded.
Complete failure (snapping) is not the only problem. Stretched or partially torn belts don't maintain the proper tension, which is what keeps many parts running at peak efficiency. When the belt loosens up over time, efficiency drops and is prone to partial tears and eventual failure.
Checking & Changing Belts When Necessary
It is advisable to peek under the hood once a month to inspect your vehicle's belts. Never assume a belt is okay by sight alone. Turn them over and inspect them for cracking or fraying. If anything looks a bit suspicious, it's time to schedule a car service and ask your auto mechanic to take a look.
Check your owner's manual to ensure you're on the right track for belt replacement. For example, serpentine belts last around 50,000 miles or four to five years while V-belts have an increased chance of failure around 36,000 miles or three to four years. Timing belts last longer – about 60,000 miles.
It is advisable to have your vehicle's belts professionally inspected on a regular basis with a truck or car service. An inspection doesn't take long and can save you money further down the road by preventing more serious car repair issues that are caused when belts break entirely.
If you have questions about the belts in your vehicle, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair for more information about car service and to schedule a truck or car service. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
