How Often Should You Change Your Serpentine Belt

Serpentine belt

Diligent Minneapolis drivers are smart to ask themselves, "How long does a serpentine chugalug last?" Serpentine belts, also called drive belts or accessory drive belts, are constructed of tough prophylactic, but that doesn't mean they're invincible. Typically, serpentine belts terminal anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Over time, friction and heat suspension them down. If y'all're unsure whether your serpentine belt is in need of a replacement, check out the warning signs, below, courtesy of the experts at the Cornerstone Ford service department!

What Does a Serpentine Belt Practise?

The long, winding serpentine belt is a vital component of your vehicle. It sends power to the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioning organization. As y'all tin can imagine, the belt must be in tip-height shape in society to properly ability these systems.

Serpentine Chugalug Alert Signs

All serpentine belts will begin to peel, crack, fray, or sideslip over time. If you lot notice these signs of wear or any of the red flags below, it's more than likely time to replace your belt:

Squealing Noises: If you hear an odd squealing noise while driving along in Anoka, information technology may be an indicator of belt stretching or low tension, or it could exist that the belt and pulley aren't properly connected.
Wear and Tear: Equally nosotros noted above, the usual signs of article of clothing and tear on a serpentine belt are cracks, uneven clothing, fraying, etc.
Systems Failure: If your power steering or air conditioning fails, information technology is absolutely time to replace your serpentine belt, and you should do so immediately.
Complete Breakdown: If your belt fails completely, your vehicle will experience a full breakup – non a state of affairs yous want to be in on Elk River roads! The best style to forbid this is to pay attention to the warning signs listed above and have them seriously if you exercise observe them.

What is a Chugalug Tensioner?

If you lot're driving a newer Ford model, its modern drive belt likely features a self-controlled belt tensioner. How does it work? An internal bound and caster system piece of work together to hold the correct amount of tension on the serpentine belt, preventing damage and breakage.

Belt tensioners also piece of work to keep the belt in place, as loose belts tin can cause your power steering, cooling organisation, and engine to quit. When you accept your serpentine chugalug replaced, yous should also have your belt tensioner replaced to ward off such mechanical failures.

Rely on Cornerstone Ford for Your Service and Maintenance Needs!

In society to avoid a frightening experience like a total vehicle breakdown, it's important that you lot inspect your serpentine chugalug from time-to-time. If y'all have any questions while inspecting your belt, experience free to contact the states. If you determine that information technology is, in fact, time for a replacement, scheduling an appointment is easy! Before yous bring your vehicle in, but exist sure to browse our service and parts specials and so yous don't miss out on great savings. Learn the advantages of OEM parts over aftermarket parts here.

You tin can always count on Cornerstone Ford for expert advice on servicing and maintaining your vehicle. Be sure to check dorsum periodically for communication on topics like how many miles tires should last , how often to alter your spark plugs, and more!

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