Serpentine Belt Replacement

Serpentine Belt Replacement and Service at Stanley Ford Sweetwater

Your vehicle’s maintenance should be a top priority, and while it’s easy to remember your oil and tires, you may forget about more niche parts like your serpentine belt. It works tirelessly in the background and directly affects multiple systems throughout your vehicle. When you want to avoid potentially breaking down on the road near Abilene, Sweetwater, or Roscoe, you’re going to want to have your belt inspected as soon as possible at Stanley Ford Sweetwater. 

The Job of Your Belt

You might have heard of your serpentine belt before, but you may not know what it does for your vehicle. It serves a vital role, as it helps to transfer the power of your engine to other systems in your model, like your alternator. When everything is running optimally, this helps your alternator convert the mechanical energy of your engine into usable electric energy for your battery. Your serpentine belt also helps to power systems like your air conditioning, water pump, and power steering. It’s made of rubber and is incredibly long so that it can work its way through your vehicle. With the help of an automatic tensioner, it’s able to keep the pressure it needs to keep working properly. 

Signs of Wear

Because your belt does so much, it can present a wide array of problems when it begins to go out. Some of the most common include:

• Squealing and other unpleasant noises coming from your engine
• Overheating, as your belt delivers power to your water pump
• Your air conditioning no longer works
• Your belt appears shiny or has visible parts missing
• Your battery is unable to hold a charge or presents a warning sign
• Your power steering is no longer functional

If you notice any of these, it’s important to have your belt immediately inspected as if it goes out fully, it’s likely to leave you on the side of the road. Your vehicle will most likely be unable to drive, but if it can, you may damage it due to overheating. Typically, most belts will last around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but this may vary depending on your model. If you’re unsure about your vehicle, you should consult your owner’s manual or bring your vehicle in for service. 

Premium Service 

When your belt is on its last leg, you’re going to want to bring your model in for service at Stanley Ford Sweetwater. Once you arrive, our mechanics will be able to diagnose the problem quickly and efficiently. If the problem is your belt, it may require a tension adjustment or a total replacement. Your automatic tensioner will also be inspected in order to make sure your vehicle can maintain proper tension on its own. This part can often cause many of the above issues, as a loose belt isn’t going to work particularly well. While you’re at the dealership, you may also want to consider other services like a tire rotation, an oil change, or even a fluid flush. This will make sure that all parts of your vehicle are running optimally, and you’ll be able to get it all done in one short trip.