01/26/2021
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The engine is the power plant for your vehicle but did you know that it can’t work properly without all of the accessories that it drives? How does it do that?
The serpentine belt, also known as the drive belt or multi-rib belt, is a single, continuous belt used to drive multiple accessory devices attached to the vehicle’s engine. These can include the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning compressor as well as options like superchargers. Without the serpentine belt, there is no way to drive power to any of these devices. A serpentine belt should be replaced as soon as it shows any signs of fraying, is cracked or gets contaminated with oil. Most manufacturers recommend replacement every four (4) years or 50,000 miles as preventative maintenance. Especially in climates like here in New England where we experience extreme temperature variations. When a serpentine belt breaks, all drive power to whatever it turns is lost. This means the water pump stops circulating coolant through the engine, the alternator quits producing power and no longer is charging the vehicle’s battery, the power steering pump ceases to assist in the steering of the vehicle, and the air c ...