Serpentine Belt Replacement
Serpentine Belt Replacement and Service at Stanley Ford McGregor
When your battery goes out, you might be quick to blame it on your alternator. In reality, you might be experiencing issues with your serpentine belt, as it directly affects multiple systems throughout your model. Over time, your belt may eventually run into issues. When you want to make sure that it’s in good condition near McGregor, Killeen, or Waco, you’ll want to bring your vehicle into Stanley Ford McGregor for a checkup.The Purpose of Your Belt
Your serpentine belt is made out of rubber and can be found on either the side or front of your engine. It’ll likely be stuck between multiple pulleys, which help it keep its tension. This belt has an extremely important job, as it delivers power to systems like your water pump, your alternator, and your power steering. Because it affects so many systems, it can often be hard to diagnose, as it may present as a different problem entirely. It’s also important to note the job of the automatic tensioner, which helps the belt keep its incredible tension. This is important, as it can contract or expand as temperatures begin to change and fluctuate. If you feel that your belt may be compromised, you’ll want to avoid driving, as it could be potentially harmful to both you and your vehicle.What to Look for
When you have a feeling that your serpentine belt may be experiencing issues, it’s important to know what to look for. A bad serpentine belt can present as an array of problems, with some of the most common including:- Your belt may appear shiny or otherwise damaged. If chunks of rubber are missing, you’ll want to immediately schedule service
- Your vehicle may quickly overheat when driving
- Your air condition may no longer be working properly
- Your power steering might fail or feel sluggish
- You may hear unpleasant sounds like squealing
- Your battery may not be charging properly, and it may present battery and alternator warnings on your dashboard
Our Team of Mechanics
If you do end up needing to bring your vehicle in for service, you might be wondering what that entails. Our mechanics will first examine the state of the belt itself before moving on to other parts like your automatic tensioner. If you do end up needing a total replacement for your serpentine belt, you can expect the new one to last between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Once the proper tension is returned and the new belt is installed, you should expect your vehicle to offer the handling and performance that you’re used to, assuming that no other parts are damaged. If you’re in need of other services like an oil change, a tire alignment, or a fluid flush, you may want to consider getting them out of the way while you’re already at the dealership. This will make sure that you have nothing to worry about once you head out.It’s simple to schedule a service with Stanley Ford McGregor, so you won’t have to worry when you're on the road.