A vehicle’s belts are essential to the cooling,
air conditioning and charging systems of the engine. Serpentine belts
are used to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering and
air-conditioning compressor. Older cars use V-belts for various
accessories. Always check serpentine and V-belts for looseness and their
overall condition.
Replace V-belts when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Noise in the belt system is a sign of wear and the smell of burnt rubber can indicate a slipping belt. When changing a serpentine belt, it is important to check all the components in the serpentine system as tensioners and pulleys wear at the same rate as the belt and should be inspected.
Replace V-belts when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. Noise in the belt system is a sign of wear and the smell of burnt rubber can indicate a slipping belt. When changing a serpentine belt, it is important to check all the components in the serpentine system as tensioners and pulleys wear at the same rate as the belt and should be inspected.
