Serpentine Belt Replacement

Serpentine Belt Replacement and Service at Stanley Ford Gilmer

Your serpentine belt serves a critical role in your vehicle, so when it becomes damaged or otherwise compromised, you’re going to be in some serious trouble. This part probably isn’t one that you think about often, so when you want to make sure that your vehicle is in good shape near Gilmer, Tyler, or Longview, you’re going to want to schedule a service appointment with Stanley Ford Gilmer. 

Your Belt’s Job

Your engine does a lot for your vehicle, but without the serpentine belt, you wouldn’t be able to power a good majority of your systems. The serpentine belt helps to carry the mechanical energy that your engine puts out and can recharge your battery by lending your alternator a helping hand. Therefore, it’s so vital to your performance, as when it goes out, you won’t be able to rely on your water pump, your power steering, and more. Because it’s made of rubber, it’s likely to expand or contract when temperatures fluctuate, leading to a change in tension. With the help of your automatic tensioner, it can quickly adjust, but if this system runs into problems, so will your vehicle. When you feel that your serpentine belt is compromised in any way, it’s important to have it inspected, as driving could be potentially dangerous. 

How to Spot Trouble

When you’re dealing with your serpentine belt, you’re going to want to know how to spot damage. Typically, this isn’t a part you’re going to view very often, as it’s tucked away underneath your hood, but there are a few signs that might point toward it failing. These include symptoms like:

• Your belt appears frayed, damaged, or shiny. It may even have cracks between the belt teeth, which is another sign of wear
• Your air condition may no longer function properly, if at all
• Your power steering will feel sluggish and may cease to function 
• Your battery may not charge properly, and you may be presented with battery and alternator warnings
• You may hear squealing sounds from your belt
• You may experience overheating, even when your vehicle has had no cooling problems before

These symptoms can be incredibly serious, so when you feel that your vehicle may be in trouble, you’re going to want to make sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. 

Expert Service 

Once you bring your vehicle in for service at Stanley Ford Gilmer, our mechanics will be able to take a detailed look at your serpentine belt. This inspection doesn’t just include your belt itself, as they’ll also make sure to take a look at other parts like your automatic tensioner. If this part is in trouble, it may cause a loose belt, which will lead to some of the above symptoms. If you end up needing a total replacement, you can expect a new serpentine belt to last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, so it’ll be quite some time before you have to worry about needing another. While your vehicle is being serviced, you may want to ask for an oil change, a windshield wiper replacement, or a tire rotation. Since you’re already at the dealership, you’ll be able to get some of your general maintenance out of the way.