A drive belt that powers many components in the engine of a car is called a serpentine belt, sometimes known as a poly-v or multi-rib belt. The serpentine belt transfers power from the engine crankshaft to all other components using pulleys and a belt tensioner. Most modern cars have only one serpentine belt that is constantly moving when the car is running.
The serpentine belt can go bad and reduce the effectiveness of the various components it drives. This is why you need to understand the common symptoms of a bad serpentine belt so you can get it fixed as soon as possible. Well, in this reading, we’ll be exploring the seven noticeable symptoms of a bad serpentine belt.
Symptoms of a bad Serpentine Belt
The symptoms of a bad serpentine belt include engine noises, warning signs on the dashboard, heavy Steering, damaged serpentine belt, air conditioning will stop working, etc.
Engine Noises: Engine Noise is one of the first signs that a serpentine belt is faulty. You should check the serpentine belt if you notice odd screams or high-pitched noises. A worn-out belt or misalignment is the source of the squealing sound. It can indicate that the belt is coming loose. The early warning allows you to replace the belt before more serious issues arise.
Warning Signs on the Dashboard: The alternator, which charges the car battery, is powered by the serpentine belt. An improperly functioning serpentine belt may be the source of alternator problems. The dashboard lights up with warnings as the automobile battery runs low. When the battery light shows, you might initially believe that there is an issue with the vehicle’s battery. On a deeper look, though, you might discover that the belt is responsible.
Heavy Steering: The power steering system also requires the serpentine belt to function. You can’t maneuver the car with ease if the power steering is not working. It will instead need to be moved with a lot of pressure. That being said, a loss of power steering isn’t always a sign of a serpentine belt issue. First, the possibility of low-power steering fluid should be examined.
Damaged Serpentine Belt: Looking at the serpentine belt is one of the most basic ways to see if something is wrong with it. Even without a mechanical background, you can still see the wear through a physical examination. Any signs of cracks, abrasions, separation, or other belt damage show a problem. It has to be changed before it breaks completely.
Air Condition stopped working: Your car’s air conditioning system is powered by the serpentine belt. This belt may be faulty if you are unable to get cold air from the vents. You might think something is wrong with your AC system, in fact, you don’t because the compressor is powered by the serpentine belt. You should observe issues with additional relationships that extend from the belt at the same time.
Car Start Overheating: The water pump may alternatively be powered by the serpentine belt. This essential part is required to lower the engine’s temperature. A failing belt may no longer run the pump. If the engine overheats, more serious issues might arise. A blown head gasket is another costly repair that can result from an overheating engine.
The car stops while Driving: The battery cannot be charged if the alternator is not driven by the serpentine belt. The car will stop running as the battery’s power runs out. In addition, there won’t be enough power if you try to restart it. It’s important to pay attention to the earlier signs in order to stop this from happening. Get the belt fixed if you believe it is failing before the battery runs out of power.
Serpentine belt vs timing belt
A timing belt or chain ensures that the engine runs smoothly by synchronizing the camshaft and crankshaft to prevent the pistons and valves from hitting each other. It recommends getting the serpentine belt inspected once your car reaches 60K miles. It’s also important to visually and audibly inspect for wear and tear before reaching that milestone.
Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the proper service intervals. Well, it was in this article that we discussed the symptoms of a bad serpentine belt. I hope it was helpful. If so, kindly share it with others. Thanks for reading; see you next time.