You will find belts in just about any engine that run the accessories. Though they are easier to ignore, but belts are incredibly essential. What is the best way to care for and change the belts in your car?
The belt basics
Most belts in cars are made from rubber or a combination of rubber and plastic. The materials have a tendency to crack and decay before wearing out and snapping. The tension the belts are under combined with the hot-and-cold conditions they generally run under means that they’ll stretch and break. Belts usually run the cooling system, alternator, and accessories in a automobile. In some cars, there are 3 or four separate belts that run each part. Most engines built after the late ‘80s use a single “serpentine” belt.
Replacing your own belts
When a belt begins to squeal or screech, it means that it is stretching out. Each and every time you service your car, you should check the belts. Replace all the belts if you’re replacing one – they are cheap, and it is better to be safe. With basic car experience, replacing a belt is easy. First, copy down the diagram of how the belt runs around the engine. Loosen up the tension in the belts, then remove them. Place the new belt in the engine, and tighten up the tension.
Should you dress the belt?
Helping a belt last can be a tough job – and some suggest that you “dress” it. This is only partially true. For a short time, if you dress a belt, it will get quieter. Remember, though, that a belt making noise is a warning that something is going wrong. The only time you need to ever dress your belt is if you’re trying to keep things a lot more quiet while you are on your way to the mechanic.
