Checking the Serpentine Belt

The serpentine belt is the belt that drives all the other accessories in the car. It transmits the power of the engine to the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, the air condition compressor, etc.

Checking the belt from time to time (about every three months) is necessary. You have to notice when the belt is worn out, otherwise, it can snap while driving causing serious problems. It won’t instantly damage the engine itself but can cause overheating, lack of power supply, or else, thus causing damage to the engine, battery, etc.

Signs of a Worn-out Belt

The first sign of a worn-out belt is the noise it produces. There will appear a squeaky noise, first if the belt gets some moisture on it and later, as the belt wears down some more.

The moment this starts happening change the belt. Some signs that also give away belt fatigue are:

1. the battery doesn’t get enough power (due to the belt slipping on the alternator pulley). The first symptoms are lazy cranking, the headlights don’t have their usual beam strength, etc.
2. the steering wheel is a bit harder, that’s because of the slipping of the belt on the pump pulley
3. casual overheating
4. the air condition isn’t efficient as usual

Before any of these happen you can make a visual check of the belt. The belt and the pulleys will be located (on most cars) in an easy accessible place. Take hold of the belt by your hand and turn it around. Since it’s restrained, turn it as much as it goes.

Look on the smooth side of the belt for possible glazing, fraying, or oil contamination. Check the other ribbed side for cracks or missing parts of the ribs. If you find any of these, change the belt immediately. Any delay can cause you problems, especially while driving.

However, if it does happen while driving, you probably won’t notice. But what you will see is the battery signal turning on and the temperature gauge rising. Pull the car to the side immediately and replace the belt.