Do you want to be driving to your friend’s house, or going out to eat and suddenly your belt flies off? Or its five degrees and you’ve got your children in the backseat when the belt makes an unexpected exit? What if you’re on the way to work and of course you’re running late and suddenly you hear a thump under the hood? Do you really want that to happen? Do you want to be stuck on the side of the road with your car smoking? It really puts a bummer on the evening. Your belt controls your water pump, alternator and power steering and I’m guessing you don’t want any of those to go out? So come to Elkhart Mechanics and get your belts checked for wear, dry rot and cracking. Get it done before it leaves you high and dry.
A faulty drive belt or serpentine belt can lead to all sorts of costly problems with your car. Without it, the car’s air conditioner compressor, alternator, power steering pump, and water pump cannot function. If your drive belts malfunction, your engine will begin to overheat because the water pump cannot cool it properly. A broken drive belt is a real emergency, because it immediately immobilizes your car. If you hear your car’s belts making noise, it is best to take your car in for service before things get really bad.
Unusual noises are a sign that your belts need attention. If you have an older car, a screeching noise when you start the engine might mean that the belts are loose. This is only an issue in older cars, because newer cars have an automatic tensioner, so the belts do not come loose. If your belt makes a chirping sound, it could mean that the pulleys are misaligned, the belt was not properly installed, the ribs on the belt are getting worn out, or the belt is dirty. If it makes a squealing sound, it could mean that the belt is loose.
Many car manufacturers and mechanics recommend changing your car’s drive belts or serpentine belt every 40,000 to 70,000 miles. Of course, how much maintenance your car’s belts need depends a lot on how new your car is; newer cars are made with more durable belts. During routine inspections, we will tell you how soon we think you will need to replace your belts. A damaged engine undercover can cause additional wear and tear on your drive belts, so we will also let you know if we think your engine undercover needs repair. As always, we will not begin any repairs to your drive belts or any other part of your car without your authorization.