Jay Hodge Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
When it comes to car maintenance, drive belt replacement isn’t the first maintenance task on most car owners’ minds, but if you’re the type of owner who’s in it for the long haul, you’re bound to need a drive belt replacement at least once during each vehicle’s lifespan. When it’s time, visit the team at the Jay Hodge Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM service center for expert cars and affordable service.
Most modern vehicles use a serpentine belt and a timing belt. The serpentine belt is named for the way it winds back and forth through the engine, providing power to multiple components, including the alternator, power steering, and air conditioning. The timing belt opens and closes the engine valves to ensure your engine cycles through intake, compression, power, and exhaust smoothly. Both serpentine belts are vital to your vehicle’s operation.
The reason most drivers aren’t familiar with drive belts is that these components are built to last between 70,000 and 100,000 miles (some can even last longer). So, you’re unlikely to need a drive belt replacement before your vehicle is at least six years old. Besides age, here are some of the tell-tale signs that you need a drive belt replacement:
Another sign of a failing drive belt is car battery issues, as the drive belt is responsible for transferring power between the battery and the alternator.
Since the lifespan of your drive belt can vary so wildly based on your vehicle and driving habits, most manufacturers recommend having your drive belts inspected every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. It’s a good idea to include an inspection in your yearly car maintenance. If you think your vehicle needs a drive belt replacement, schedule an appointment with us at Jay Hodge Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM.
