Your serpentine belt is a small but essential part of your car that works to power a number of accessories and systems within your vehicle, including your air conditioner, alternator, and power steering pump, just to name a few. For that reason, any sort of damage to your serpentine belt can cause a wide variety of serious issues for the rest of your vehicle. Understanding some of the warning signs associated with a serpentine belt that has begun to fail can help you determine when you should have it replaced before it can cause serious issues for your car.
Screeching and Squealing
One of the first signs you may notice that can indicate that your serpentine belt is damaged and otherwise not working properly is if you hear a high-pitched, constant screeching sound coming from your engine or under the hood while driving. This is usually caused by a rip or tear in the belt itself or a misalignment that is causing an excessive amount of friction between the belt and another component under the hood. These screeches are more than an annoying warning sign: they represent increased wear and can lead to further damage and even a complete break if not addressed quickly by a professional.
Engine Overheating
Another obvious sign that your serpentine belt may not be working properly is if you notice that the temperature that your engine is operating at—even while driving at lower speeds—is significantly higher than usual. This is especially noticeable if your engine actually overheats or if warning lights pop up on your dashboard. The high temperature indicates that your serpentine belt is unable to properly power the water pump that cools down the engine, which can cause serious damage to your engine if it is not addressed quickly.
Air Conditioning and Steering Issues
If your engine is overheating because of the serpentine belt, you are likely going to notice issues with other systems that are powered by the belt. This will be most noticeable with the steering and air conditioning systems in your vehicle. If you notice that your air conditioner is only blowing warm air, and if your steering feels loose or takes more effort to move, it is likely that your serpentine belt is not able to provide enough power to the power steering system and the air conditioner, and will likely need to be replaced. You can always contact an auto repair shop such as AutoMedics for more information or help repairing your serpentine belt.
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