Inspecting an auto's belts and replacing them when they become worn is an essential part of proper car and truck maintenance. An engine cannot run properly without adequate belts. One can usually identify a weakened belt by a peculiar squeaking or scraping noise, but one can identify issues much sooner by visually and physically inspecting them. Conducting monthly inspections of your belts will help to prevent premature engine wear and may extend the life of your vehicle.
There are a number of different belts in one's engine, each performing a unique, important function. One can learn the different types of belts and what they do by reading CarGuide123's article, 'Types of Auto Belts.'
How to Inspect Your Belts
- Be sure to always check your vehicle's belts before starting your car, while the engine's still cold.
- Carefully inspect all belts along edges and underneath for any signs of wear. The visual cues listed below indicate a belt might need to be replaced or that some belt-driven component could be failing.
- Belt tension should be checked, then adjusted if necessary, on a regular basis. If it's too tight, bearings in the accessory components (and even in the engine) can wear out prematurely. If it's too loose, this will cause the belt to slip and squeal, and the accessory components will work less efficiently. The most accurate way to check tension is by using a belt tension gauge, but you can estimate the correct tension simply by pressing on the belt along the longest straight section. If the tension's correct, there will only be about 1/2 to 1 inch of play.
- Drive belts operate the accessory components attached to the engine, such as the air conditioner compressor, alternator, power steering pump, and water pump. To assess the belts' condition, perform a visual inspection and also test the belt tension.
What to Look For
Glazing: The belt becomes slick and shiny if a loose belt slips in its pulley. The glazed belt can't grip adequately, so it slips even more.
Cracking: Belt can snap.
Oil: Oil or other engine fluids spilled on the belt or in the pulley grooves can glaze the belt and increase slippage.
Piling: The belt's rubber compound wears off, building up on the drive pulleys.
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