Expert Serpentine Belt Care
Whether your vehicle has hit a certain milestone that could indicate imminent belt replacement or a vehicle inspection has revealed the wearing of the serpentine belt, your local GreatWater 360 Auto Care-affiliated location is here to help and can get your vehicle back out on the road in no time. In addition to our industry-leading automotive service, we also pride ourselves on treating every one of our customers like a neighbor and every vehicle we service as if it were one of our own. It's a big reason why so many drivers trust their vehicles to their local GreatWater-affiliated shop for serpentine belt care and any other service.
Our Serpentine Belt Replacement Process
We'll begin the replacement process with a thorough inspection to ensure that it's time to replace the serpentine belt. From there, we'll begin the service. It consists of:
- Marking the rotation direction on the belt.
- Unloading the belt from the tensioner (and removing and replacing the tensioner as well, if necessary).
- Torquing and tightening mounting bolts.
- Installing the belt in the same rotational direction as the previous belt.
- Tightening the belt to ensure appropriate tension.
Signs You Need a New Serpentine Belt
If your serpentine belt stops working, your car risks suffering significant engine damage. That's why it's important to pay attention to your vehicle manufacturer's recommended service schedule. It's also important to be aware of some of the common signs and symptoms that could indicate a belt in need of replacement. These include:
- Visible fraying, cracks, or tearing of the belt.
- Loss of belt tension.
- Odd noises coming from under the hood of your vehicle.
- Engine overheating.
- Poor engine power.
- Difficulty starting your vehicle.
- The check engine light or battery warning lights appear on your dashboard.
Why Serpentine Belts Are Important
Serpentine belts help power some of your vehicle's most important accessories and components, including the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. If the belt is worn or damaged, your vehicle won't be able to access all of these aforementioned accessories and components. It could lead to a loss of electrical power, engine overheating, and problems with the air conditioning.