Reasons To Replace Your Drive Belt
Posted on January 19, 2021
The drive belts in your car are crucial for powering essential components like the air conditioning, power steering, alternator, and water pump. While older vehicles use separate belts for these functions, newer models typically rely on a single serpentine belt.
However, these belts experience wear and tear over time due to constant friction and exposure to contaminants like grit, salt, and water. Although serpentine belts are designed to last longer, they must be inspected at the first sign of trouble to avoid costly repairs down the line.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through the process of drive belt replacement and how to keep your car running smoothly.
Understanding the Role of Drive Belts
Drive belts are crucial components under your car's hood. Each belt controls different functions to keep your vehicle running smoothly. There are three main types: serpentine belts, timing belts, and V-belts.
- Timing Belt: Connects the crankshaft to the camshaft, keeping proper valve timing.
- Serpentine Belt: Powers various systems like air conditioning, power steering, water pump, and alternator.
- V-Belt: Found in older vehicles, it powers different systems but is less common today due to advancements in belt technology.
How Often Should You Replace Your Car's Belts?
It is generally recommended that you change your car's drive belt every five years or 100,000 km. Regular inspections, ideally once a year, are crucial to catching any signs of damage or wear and tear early.
During these check-ups, a mechanic can assess the condition of your belts and advise if they need replacing. Addressing any issues promptly ensures your car runs smoothly and prevents potential breakdowns.
10 Signs Drive Belt Needs Replacing
Figuring out when to replace your engine belts can be a bit tricky, but watching for a few key signs can help you avoid potential issues:
1. Squealing Sound from the Engine When You Drive
A squealing sound while you drive, especially if it's raining heavily or when you accelerate, could be a result of water on the belt. This is not a big problem, but if it's because of leaking oil, that's something you should have addressed as soon as possible.
2. Visible Wear on the Belts
Wear and tear on the belts are usually visible before it causes problems. There could be cracks, fraying, splits, areas that appear brittle or slick in spots, and, in the case of serpentine belts, missing grooves or places where the layers have separated. This could potentially be a huge problem if not addressed, so it's wise to have it checked.
3. Check Engine Light
A Check Engine Light can mean many different things. Among them, it's possible that your drive belt is giving you that warning. A broken serpentine belt will cause systems like your alternator or power steering pump to shut down and your vehicle to overheat.
4. Power Steering Performance Issues
If your drive belt is severely damaged, it could be very dangerous. You could suddenly lose power steering. Preventative maintenance is the only way to ensure you're not caught off-guard.
5. A/C Performance Issues
While several things could affect your A/C, one of them is a failing drive belt, so it's never a good idea to ignore any problem, no matter how minor it may seem. You may decide you can live without A/C, but if it's a sign that your drive belt is in trouble, it will be a welcome warning.
6. Reduced Engine Cooling
A drive belt keeps your engine cool, so a failing belt can result in your car overheating. Allowing this to occur repeatedly can cause engine damage.
7. Play and Looseness
Excessive play or looseness in the drive belt often comes with noticeable noise. As the teeth on the belt wear down, it may no longer fit snugly around the pulleys, leading to slipping.
This slipping creates extra play, disrupting your engine's smooth operation. If you notice these signs, it could be time to check or replace the belt to ensure optimal performance.
8. Overheating Engine
The water pump, driven by the belt, circulates coolant and plays a crucial role in keeping the engine cool. The coolant absorbs heat from the engine and then releases it through the radiator, where it cools down as air passes over the radiator fins.
If the belt is slipping or worn, the water pump may not circulate the coolant effectively, leading to inadequate cooling and potential engine overheating.
9. Visible Wear
As drive belts slip or become misaligned, they can wear out quickly. If you notice visible signs of damage, such as cracks or worn spots on the belt, it’s time to replace it immediately.
During inspections, look for other signs of wear, including missing pieces, uneven rib wear, abrasions, or separation of the ribs.
10. Mileage Indicator
Like many car parts, Serpentine belts have a typical lifespan of 60,000 to 100,000 km. If your car has reached or exceeded this mileage, it's time to consider replacing the belt.
When purchasing a new belt, always check its recommended mileage rating and monitor your vehicle's mileage to ensure timely engine drive belt replacements.
Is It Time for a Drive Belt Change? Set Up an Appointment with Our Car Expert Today!
Replacing your drive belt at the right time is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and preventing costly repairs down the road. Regular inspections and timely replacements ensure your car’s components function properly and efficiently.
If you notice any signs of wear or have hit the mileage mark, give us a shout, and we can set up an appointment to have it checked out for you.
Stay informed and keep your car in top shape with proper care from CarHub. For more helpful tips and automotive advice, visit our blog page and explore our latest posts.