Car belts are some of the least expensive parts of your car, but they are very important to your car's health and performance. Car belts are made out of rubber, and therefore they eventually crack and wear out. Replacing belts in your car is a do-it-yourself job if you know your way around a car engine. Otherwise, it's wise to get a professional on the job. Replacing a serpentine belt can be very involved.
Automobiles have evolved quite a bit since their introduction in the late 19th century. Autos have water pumps, power-steering pumps and many other accessories. Originally, each of these components had its own belt, but most modern cars today use just one serpentine belt to power many components.
Car belts drive the components of the car and keep them all functioning. If a car belt breaks, the car will lose function for those parts of the car driven by the belt. For example, if a water pump belt breaks, the water pump will immediately cease working, which could cause the engine to overheat. If a serpentine belt breaks, many parts of the car will stop functioning.
Timing belts are made of notched rubber and allow the pistons to operate properly. If the timing belt breaks, the engine will stop immediately. This can be quite dangerous if you are in heavy traffic or on the freeway.
Serpentine belts power the cooling pump, power steering fluid pump, cooling fan, air injection pump, air conditioning compressor and more. You'll know that your serpentine belt needs to be replaced if you hear a screeching sound coming from your engine, especially when you are starting the car.
Most experts recommend that you change your serpentine belt at least every 35,000 miles. They usually last between 36,000 and 60,000 miles. Timing belts should be replaced every 50,000 to 60,000 miles.
If you decide to install a new serpentine belt by yourself, draw a diagram of the belt and where it goes before you remove the old belt. You might save yourself some frustration if you can remember all the twists and turns after it is removed.
