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Serpentine Belts
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Description: On many engines, a serpentine belt powers several accessories such as the air conditioner compressor, water and power steering pumps, fan, and even the booster for the braking system. It ribbed belt replacing many of the v-belts formerly found on vehicles. Most vehicles have just one, or sometimes two of these belts to turn all of the accessories. Unless your car is a vintage model, the engine most likely has a serpentine belt drive. |
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Maintenance: Most engineers say it's definitely worth having the serpentine drive belt system checked periodically. If it fails, the engine will overheat, and worse, the car won't run. The situation could leave you stranded on a highway or busy metropolitan street waiting for a costly tow to a local repair shop. During an oil change, we check this belt for you.
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| Listen for signs of impending belt failure. A squealing noise when the car accelerates means the belt is slipping and is not efficiently turning the drive accessories. The belt tensioner also could be worn and in need of immediate replacement. | |
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Look for excessive cracks in the belt's V-ribs, and chunks that have broken off the ribs. Engineers say, however, visual appearance is not a reliable indicator of the expected service life of a belt. They recommend replacing the serpentine belt every four years, or by the mileage interval listed in your owner's manual. Ask your technician to check both the belt and the tensioner while the car is being serviced. |
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Benefits of a new serpentine belt:
During a full service oil change, we check this belt for you. |
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