Serpentine Belt Repair & Replacement
Keeping your serpentine belt in good shape is important for your car. If the serpentine belt breaks, it can cause irreparable harm to the engine. This can result in expensive engine replacements.
At Jason’s Auto Service, we offer expert auto repair services that include serpentine belt repair and replacement and can keep your car running like new.
What is the Function of a Serpentine Belt?
The serpentine belt, also known as the drive belt, is a rubber belt that snakes its way around the important components of the engine. The belt connects the power steering, pump, AC compressor, and alternator to the engine’s crankshaft. In some cars, the serpentine belt also sends power to the water pump, which regulates the temperature in the engine.
In older cars, several different drive belts would power each of the components. Thanks to the invention of the serpentine belt, the processes have now become much more efficient. However, if this belt fails, the battery will not charge, and it can simultaneously affect multiple accessories and may make you lose electrical power, power steering, air conditioning, or result in an overheated engine, which is liable to stall.
At Jason’s Auto Service, we will inspect your serpentine belt during courtesy inspections. Our expert mechanics will make sure that the belt is perfectly aligned with its pulley and shows no signs of dangerous wear and tear. In most cases, a well-maintained serpentine belt will last a long time, typically 60,000 to 100,000 miles, without needing to be changed.
What are the Signs of a Malfunctioning Serpentine Belt?
To avoid any dangerous situations on the road, it is important to keep your serpentine belt maintained according to the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual.
Some signs of a malfunctioning serpentine belt are:
- Visible signs of cracks, tears, and frays on the belt
- A loud snap in the engine
- A squealing, growling, or chattering noise from the engine
- An overheated engine
- Loss in belt tension
- Loss in engine power
- Overheated engine
- Check engine or battery lights illuminate
Basic serpentine belt maintenance needs to be performed with every oil change. Our expert mechanics will ensure your serpentine belt is in good condition and can last a long time.
What Can Happen If Your Serpentine Belt Fails?
If you hear a slapping sound coming from the engine, this may be a sign that your serpentine belt has slipped off the pulleys. If your serpentine belt breaks, your engine will not start, and it might even experience severe damage. This includes damage to the valves, pistons, or the cylinder head and can result in issues like:
- Failure to power the water pump which can lead to the engine overheating
- Unable to steer
- Trouble making turns or steering at low speeds
- Result in a dead battery and loud engine noise
Compared to the engine, the replacement cost of the belt is minimal. At Jason’s Auto Repair, we can repair or replace your serpentine belt easily at a very affordable cost. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment with us.