There are several parts of your car that you don’t think about until something goes wrong. But all the moving parts of your engine are essential, so you don’t want to neglect any of them. One of these parts that people often overlook until it’s too late is the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt connects and powers many components and systems in your car, and if it breaks, you’re looking at some serious car trouble. Luckily, you have the team at your local MA auto shop, Rays’ Auto Service, to help you out.
Next time you bring your car to your MA auto shop, ask your mechanic to inspect your serpentine belt.
What systems are connected to the serpentine belt?
We call this belt the serpentine belt because it “snakes” through several pulleys to power multiple systems in your car. Here are some of the most important:
- Alternator
- Power steering pump
- A/C compressor
- Water pump
The serpentine belt is also sometimes called the accessory belt because some of the systems it powers are not integral to the operation of your vehicle. But don’t let the word “accessory” fool you. If, for example, your alternator stops working, you won’t be able to drive your car. You’ll also miss some of those accessories if they’re not there. If you’ve never driven without power steering, you’ll be surprised by how difficult it is.
When do you need to replace the serpentine belt?
You don’t want the serpentine belt to wear out and break. Although replacing the belt is a relatively simple and straightforward repair, you’ll need a tow to your MA auto shop. Without the systems the serpentine belt powers, your car won’t start. A serpentine belt typically lasts between 60,000 and 10,000 miles. You can tell if you need to replace the belt by visually inspecting it. Cracks in the rubber, fraying edges, smooth areas on the ribbing, and shiny spots are all signs of wear. If the belt is slipping or misaligned, you’ll hear squealing or chirping from under the hood.
Ray’s Auto Service | MA Auto Shop
For routine maintenance and major repairs, you need an MA auto shop you can trust. Our team at Ray’s Auto Service will treat your car like it’s our own, so you know you’re in good hands. We’re proud to offer our customers top-notch and reliable service.