The drive belt is also known as the serpentine belt. The belt is accountable for linking the power steering, alternator, air conditioning, and other vital apparatuses to the crankshaft. The crankshaft is a component of the engine and contributes strongly to the alternator. The crankshaft may also provide power to the water pump in some cars.

Over time, the drive belt will cultivate wear and tear because of the heat produced by the engine. Eventually, the belt will break, making steering difficult. For cars in which the water pump is also controlled by the crankshaft, breakage of the drive belt can cause the engine to overheat, which may result in serious problems for your vehicle.

With proper upkeep, you can preserve your car from serious damage and save yourself some money on repairs. To increase the permanency of your car’s serpentine belt, there are a few rudimentary upkeep guidelines you should be aware of. Know where your belt is located.

The exact location of the serpentine belt may vary depending on the car. For most cars, the belt will be located at the front of the engine. When checking the belt, always make sure the car is switched off and cooled down.

Your belt should be inspected with each oil change. Specialists will customarily check the belt to ensure no significant damage has occurred. However, checking it yourself is fairly straightforward. Ensure that the belt is regulated on the pulleys correctly. If the belt slides off the pulleys, your car may not operate correctly or relevant components may dissipate power.

A specialist at Low Income Auto Repair should inspect your belt’s tensioner. The belt tensioner regulates the amount of tension set on the belt to ensure it tarries on the pulleys. If the tension is loose, the belt can slip off the pulleys and create components powered by the belt to dissipate power. If there are more than three cracks in a one-inch space on the belt, it’s time to replace it.

A tensioner belt usually lasts approximately between 60,000-100,000 miles. Belts are not expected to be changed frequently unless they are aging or have maintained damage. Overhauling a worn or impaired belt is not possible. You will need to replace the belt rather instead of trying to repair it. You do not have to be cognizant of what’s going on with your vehicle, because the specialists Low Income Auto Repair will take care of our car care needs.

Before starting your car, double-check to make sure the belt is properly routed, the belt is placed straight onto the pulleys, and that there is enough tension. After substituting the belt, keep the hood unlatched and try starting your car to make sure all components have power. Watch the belt to make sure it is rotating correctly on the pulleys.

If there are any problems, a specialist at Low Income Auto Repair will review your routing layout to ensure you’ve routed the belt correctly. Even though replacing the belt is a relatively unpretentious part of vehicle maintenance, once you connect to a specialist at Low Income Auto Repair if you have any reservations about the installation. An incorrectly installed belt can cause major quandaries for your car.