One of GM’s most powerful powertrains
The engine of your car is made up of a lot of moving parts, all of which you need to take care of. Today, we’ll talk about your vehicle’s serpentine belt, signs it needs to be replaced, and how to care for it.
What is a serpentine belt?
If the name makes you think of a deadly snake, you’re not alone. This component under the hood of your car gets its name from the way it winds through the engine compartment. Along its journey, it brings power to systems it passes.
According to AAA, a serpentine belt usually has a fairly long list of things it brings power to, like the air pump, power steering pump, alternator, and air conditioning compressor. There are many types of belts the manufacturers use, so do some research to see what your particular model has attached to the serpentine.
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Signs your serpentine belt needs replaced
One of the most common indicators that your serpentine belt needs help is a loud squealing coming from under the hood of your car. The loud sound is usually because it’s slipped from its tensioners. There are a lot of components under the hood of your car, and the sound is similar to what other parts do when they’re in trouble. That means that whenever you hear a squeal, you should head to a dealership or repair shop as soon as possible.
Another sign that something is wrong with your serpentine belt is if one of its components stops working. When it operates your power steering and breaks, maneuvering your vehicle will become difficult very quickly. Your air conditioning will also stop working, and your engine could overheat if the belt’s connected to the radiator or other cooling system.
Don’t get stuck
A broken or damaged serpentine belt is not good news. To make sure that you don’t have to face a problem on the road, inspect it on a regular basis (or have your trusted mechanic do it). Missing pieces, cracking, or other signs of wear mean it’s time to swap it out for a new one, according to AutoBlog.
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A serpentine belt not only has a cool name, but it has a very important job when it comes to making your car operate correctly. Make sure you have it on your list of things to get checked out when you head in for routine maintenance.
Sources: AAA, AutoBlog
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.
