You’ll then experience one or more of the symptoms listed above, triggering a warning light in most cars. If a drive belt breaks, multiple systems will lose their power. An older Neoprene rubber belt generally lasts about 50,000 miles, whereas a new belt made from Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer rubber (EPDM belts) can last 100,000 miles. Note : The lifespan of a new belt also depends on the material it’s made of. Once you have this information handy, keep an eye on your vehicle’s mileage and ensure you stick to the replacement window for preventative maintenance. It’s best to check your owner’s manual for the recommended time frame for a belt replacement. However, some drive belts can last significantly longer than this, depending on your driving habits and other conditions. Most drive belts will last anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. If an old belt breaks due to tension, you could be facing serious safety hazards. It’s important to do a visual inspection under your hood during an oil change and check your drive belts. These are visible signs of wear, meaning it’s time for a replacement. Over time, an old belt will grow rigid or start fraying. Visibly Worn Beltĭrive belts often have a fixed lifespan. With your power steering assist gone, your steering wheel will suddenly get heavier, sometimes dangerously so. As a result, you’ll lose your power steering. So if your drive belt snaps, the power steering pump stops working completely. Loss Of Power SteeringĪ drive belt runs the power steering pump in most cars. This is why a drive belt failure can lead to an overheated engine. If the water pump fails, your engine doesn’t have a secure way of staying at a safe temperature. And since drive belts deliver the power necessary for a water pump to work, a faulty belt will hinder its functioning. Engine OverheatsĪ water pump is a key part of your car’s cooling system. You won’t be able to turn your car on with a dead battery. Without an alternator belt, your car’s battery won’t charge, eventually running out of juice. The alternator charges your battery and powers the electrical units while the car is in use. Your car’s drive belt (also called the alternator belt) powers the alternator. Plus, coolant and transmission fluid leaks can cause belt slippage, leading to more belt noise. Low belt tension, a worn tensioner pulley, or extensive belt wear likely lead to a loose belt or noisy belt. A loose belt can also result in a squealing or chirping belt noise from under the hood. Moreover, your car’s drive belt can sometimes slip off the pulleys or run too loose. So if you turn the steering or switch on your air conditioner and hear squealing, the chances are that your noisy belt has worn out. These devices demand a lot of torque from the belt to turn. Squealing From Power Steering, Air Conditioning, Or The Hoodĭrive belts actuate almost every engine component, including the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and AC compressor. Since a bad belt or a worn belt can manifest itself in many ways, here are the most common signs of belt failure: 1. A faulty drive belt could severely affect your car’s performance, so it shouldn’t be ignored. A drive belt is responsible for several key engine functions.
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