Engine Service: What is the Serpentine Belt?
You may have heard your auto mechanic recommend an engine service to replace the serpentine belt. What is the serpentine belt, you ask, and what does it have to do with engine repair? In answer to your questions—a serpentine belt is a single ribbed belt that drives the various pumps and accessories of the vehicle; such as the air conditioner, power steering, and alternator. As you can see, it is a critical component of the engine and needs to be inspected often!
If you have owned your vehicle for at least two to three years, it is more than likely time to replace the serpentine belt. Check your owner's manual. It will list the recommended interval for replacing the serpentine belt (generally every 60,000 miles). Or, if your mechanic notices that the belt is starting to fail, schedule an engine service to replace it at the time of your choosing--not when the belt decides to break, requiring an urgent and costly engine repair.
Trouble Signs: It's time to replace the Serpentine Belt:
- Slipping -- If the serpentine belt gets oil soaked or glazed, it will not be able to provide the proper circulation to keep the engine cool. Get the oil leak fixed before replacing the belt.
- Tears or abrasions – The belt is probably rubbing against a pulley flange or bolt as it winds its way around. Make sure the path of the belt is smooth.
- Pinholes or bumps -- Dirt and debris is getting in between the serpentine belt and the pulleys. If there are very many of chunks missing, or if the holes are close together, it is time to replace the belt.
Engine Service Guideline: At every oil change, check all the ribbed drive belts and the position of the self-adjusting mechanism indicator. Schedule an engine service as recommended in your owner's manual to have belts and hoses checked.
If there are any cracks [about 1/8 inch (or 3 m) apart], it may be reaching the end of its serviceable life and need to be replaced.
Whether you need a basic engine service, or a more extensive engine repair, our qualified auto mechanics can help you keep your car running smoothly. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
You may have heard your auto mechanic recommend an engine service to replace the serpentine belt. What is the serpentine belt, you ask, and what does it have to do with engine repair? In answer to your questions—a serpentine belt is a single ribbed belt that drives the various pumps and accessories of the vehicle; such as the air conditioner, power steering, and alternator. As you can see, it is a critical component of the engine and needs to be inspected often!
If you have owned your vehicle for at least two to three years, it is more than likely time to replace the serpentine belt. Check your owner's manual. It will list the recommended interval for replacing the serpentine belt (generally every 60,000 miles). Or, if your mechanic notices that the belt is starting to fail, schedule an engine service to replace it at the time of your choosing--not when the belt decides to break, requiring an urgent and costly engine repair.
Trouble Signs: It's time to replace the Serpentine Belt:
- Slipping -- If the serpentine belt gets oil soaked or glazed, it will not be able to provide the proper circulation to keep the engine cool. Get the oil leak fixed before replacing the belt.
- Tears or abrasions – The belt is probably rubbing against a pulley flange or bolt as it winds its way around. Make sure the path of the belt is smooth.
- Pinholes or bumps -- Dirt and debris is getting in between the serpentine belt and the pulleys. If there are very many of chunks missing, or if the holes are close together, it is time to replace the belt.
Engine Service Guideline: At every oil change, check all the ribbed drive belts and the position of the self-adjusting mechanism indicator. Schedule an engine service as recommended in your owner's manual to have belts and hoses checked.
If there are any cracks [about 1/8 inch (or 3 m) apart], it may be reaching the end of its serviceable life and need to be replaced.
Whether you need a basic engine service, or a more extensive engine repair, our qualified auto mechanics can help you keep your car running smoothly. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
