News

How do you know when your serpentine belt needs to be replaced? That’s hard for the normal driver to figure out, so let South Side Tire and Auto do what we do best and give you our professional knowledge and guidance. Most vehicles, under normal driving conditions, will need to have the serpentine belt replaced around 60,000 miles. This is just one of the items we inspect when your care is in our care. Why replace it...why inspect it, you may ask?   The serpentine belt keeps several systems in your vehicle operating and functioning properly such as: power steering, alternator, air conditioning and the water pump. The serpentine belt is a rubber belt that now, thanks to the advanced technologies of the present time, lasts much longer than they used to. However remember, it is rubber and it will wear down, breaking down from non stop heat and friction and will need replaced. So you ask, how can I tell it it needs replaced? 🤷🏼‍♀️

Several signs are:

~ Squealing or chirping due to the belt and the pulley not working properly together ~ Cracks and damaged ribs on the belt ~ Air conditioning is not working properly ~ Car breaks down/stalls out...when the belt breaks completely 

***Your check engine light may even be an indication there is a problem.  NEVER ignore or put off a warning sign/light from your vehicle***   

Your vehicle may have other belts also. Such as a timing belt or if you have and older vehicle, you may also have several V Belts instead of a serpentine belt. 
Check out this serpentine belt on a 2012 Ford Transit that was under our care for a routine service that consisted of an oil change and tire rotation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our technician noticed a stone was wedged in the pulley causing damage to the serpentine belt and pulleys. This could have left the owner sitting along the road unexpectedly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So remember, when your car is under our care, know that our technicians check over and inspect your vehicle as if it was their own to help prevent problems on the road. Everyone at South Side Tire and Auto wants you to keep your vehicle running the best it can, and for you to have peace of mind when you get behind the wheel.  

Southsidetire.net 

#gosouth, South Side Tire & Auto 901E. Patrick ST Frederick, MD 21701