Importance of the Serpentine Drive Belt
We specialize in Oil Changes Done Right here at Master Oil and More, which means we also perform a Free 42-Point Inspection on your vehicle, making sure your vehicle is safe out on the road. No one wants to be waiting on the side of the 405 for a tow truck!
One Belt to Rule Them All
One of the oft-overlooked aspects of a vehicle’s performance and safety is the serpentine drive belt. This seemingly simple, continuous piece of rubber drives several vital parts in a vehicle’s engine: such as the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning compressor, and air pump. The serpentine drive belt is the workhorse that powers them all!
Luckily, serpentine drive belts nowadays are built to last- generally speaking, they should last 30,000 to 50,000 miles in normal driving conditions. They may need service during that time, manually tensioned belts may need to be adjusted; others with a self-tensioning mechanism will need to be serviced as well.
Check Out That Belt!
During our Free 42-Point Inspection at Master Oil and More, we inspect the serpentine drive belt, as well as the belt tensioner. If the serpentine drive belt has 3 or more cracks per square inch, we strongly recommend replacement. Belts in this condition have the potential to break or slip, causing serious damage to a vehicle’s engine. In fact, a snapped serpentine drive belt could bring your vehicle to a sudden dead stop.
In order to protect your vehicle’s alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and water pump, it’s imperative to inspect the serpentine drive belt with your vehicle’s regular maintenance. Symptoms of a damaged belt in need of service include squealing or slapping noises coming from under the hood, stiff steering, and possibly even a battery warning light on the dash. Don’t wait till it’s too late- regular vehicle maintenance and inspection always pays off in the end!