Serpentine Belt Inspection & Replacement

Lansing Belt Repair

Don't you hate it when you hear that squeal from under the hood? I know it annoys me to death almost as bad as squeaking brake pads! It usually means there is a problem with the serpentine belt or one of the pulleys. The serpentine belt powers all of your vehicles engine accessories. It runs the alternator-which charges the battery, the water pump-which cools the engine, the air conditioning and the power steering pump. All of which are pretty important parts. It is called a serpentine belt because it snakes (serpent) around all of your engine components.

Serpentine belts are especially tough. They will last for years and go for tens of thousands of miles. But, with time they will wear out. If your belt breaks while you are driving, everything will come to a halt within minutes. You will have to stop the car or it will overheat, potentially causing major engine damage. You will also loose you power steering making the vehicle very hard to steer and turn. And it probably won't be at a convenient time or place. You might even need to get your car towed to an East Lansing automotive repair shop (Professional Fleet). That is why manufacturers recommend a belt replacement on schedule. 

If you hear a squeal when accelerating or a slow, slapping sound at idle, you should have your serpentine belt looked at. Your repair technician will visually inspect your belt to see if it needs to be changed sooner than scheduled. If the belt has more than three or four cracks an inch, has deep cracks that penetrate half the depth of the belt, is frayed, is missing pieces or has a shiny glazed look, it needs to be replaced regardless of age or mileage.

One thing to keep in mind is many manufactures of aftermarket belts sell them with "cracks" already in the belt. These are not bad, they are normal. Be careful of the local quick lube guys they like to over sell serpentine belts on eve car that drives through their door.

Serpentine belt replacement is relatively inexpensive, especially compared with the cost and inconvenience of being stranded or getting a disabled vehicle to a service center for repairs. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  So the next time a Quick Lube tries to sell you a belt, stop by for a second opinion.

To schedule a belt inspection, call Sam or Rose @ Professional Fleet Services  we would be happy to check it for you anytime. Call us at 517-316-7999. We are located in downtown Lansing at 615 E Kalamazoo St.