The Most Unknown Essential Service: Drive Belt Replacement

auto technician working on a vehicle

auto technician working on a vehicle

Your car has a lot of moving parts that keep it running as it should. Your drive belts are among the most important of those parts. While you might think that your car has a single drive belt, there are three types of drive belts. Get the details on the types of drive belts and the signs that it’s time to replace them.

When to Replace the Serpentine Belt

If your car was manufactured after 1990, it likely contains a serpentine belt. This belt resembles a snake because of the way it moves through the accessories and pulleys to power the:

  • Air conditioner compressor
  • Alternator
  • Water pump
  • Steering pump

The serpentine belt is the most durable of all the drive belts, so you won’t have to replace it as often. However, you still need to watch out for signs that the belt needs to be replaced. First, you might notice some squealing sounds emitting from the front of your vehicle. The air conditioner and power steering might stop functioning, and your engine could overheat. The belt also might crack. If you see any of these signs, take your car to a mechanic.

When to Replace the V-belt

The V-belt uses a crank and pulley to travel to the engine components. These belts are useful in providing power to operating essentials, such as the:

  • Power steering
  • Air conditioner

If you have a damaged V-belt, it will display the same signs as a damaged serpentine belt. Also, your alternator might malfunction if the V-belt is loose. Thus, don’t hesitate to take your car to a mechanic if you notice any issues.

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When to Replace the Timing Belt

Your car’s timing belt is responsible for connecting the crankshaft and camshaft. The crankshaft rotates the pistons in the engine, and the camshaft opens and closes valves. If the timing belt fails, it could damage your engine to the point that it has to be rebuilt.

Fortunately, there are some signs that your timing belt needs a replacement. The signs include:

  • Ticking noise coming from the car’s engine
  • Frequent misfires
  • The engine won’t turn over
  • Leaking oil from the front of the motor

If you wait to address the problem, you could end up with an expensive repair. Avoid that problem by going to a mechanic as soon as you notice an issue.

Do you need help replacing your drive belts? Schedule a service at Bradshaw Chevrolet Buick GMC of Greer in Greer, South Carolina, and we will handle it for you.

If replacing a drive belt is one item on a growing list of repairs, you might prefer a new car. Then you can start fresh with new belts and other components. With Chevrolets, Buicks, and GMCs in stock, finding the right car is simple when you shop with us.

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