Is It Time for a Car Belt Replacement? 6 Ways to Tell

Also known as a serpentine belt, the car belt is responsible for powering the engine’s peripheral devices. Just like other car parts, this component is bound to wear out at some point. If you are looking for a Mini dealership to get a replacement, check out Tom Bush MINI. But first, look for these symptoms to determine if this part is faulty.

Is It Time for a Car Belt Replacement at Our Mini Dealership? 6 Ways To Tell

Squealing Sounds

The most noticeable sign of a worn-out serpentine belt is squealing sounds coming from the hood. Granted, this could be due to slipping or misalignment, but the belt might be damaged. Whichever the case, you need to get your car checked to determine the root cause of the problem.

Overheating Engine

One of the peripheral devices that the belt turns is the water pump. This component is responsible for pumping cool water and coolant through the engine block to draw out the heat. It pushes the hot water-coolant mix through the radiator for cooling, then circulates it back to the engine.

If the belt is damaged, it won’t be able to turn the pump reliably. The result is a spike in temperature, which can cause engine damage. Therefore, you should get your car checked as soon as you spot the temperature gauge needle going towards the red-hot zone.

Battery Light Turns On

The serpentine belt also turns the alternator, which provides power to the vehicle. That said, all electrical appliances in the car draw power from the battery, which will go down rapidly if not recharged.

In severe cases (if the belt snapped), the car will grind to a halt because there won’t be enough electricity for the spark plugs. A low battery causes the respective light to turn-on on the dashboard, which might mean the belt is not doing its job.

Loss of Power Steering

One of the most critical engine accessories is the power steering hydraulic fluid pump. It pulls the steering fluid from the reservoir, then pressurizes it to give you a smooth feel of the steering wheel.

With the pump being turned inconsistently, the steering wheel will be difficult to turn. That said, this issue can result from a low power steering fluid level, so check this first. If the reservoir has enough fluid, the culprit might be the serpentine belt.

Malfunctioning AC

The belt also powers the AC compressor, which circulates refrigerant to cool the cabin. A worn-out or slipping belt will not spin the compressor with enough power for sufficient circulation of the fluid. The result is a malfunctioning AC that does not blow out cool air.

Cracks on the Belt

If you experience the symptoms above in your car, try to check the belt physically under the hood. The part is easy to access in most cars, so do a visual inspection, especially on the inner section that contacts the pulleys. If you spot any visible cracks, it needs a replacement as soon as possible.

Due to its importance in keeping vital peripheral devices running, the serpentine belt should always be kept in good condition. Visit Tom Bush MINI to get a replacement if you spot the symptoms above in your Mini.

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