Automotive Belts
- Timing Belt: The timing belt synchronizes the movement of the crankshaft and camshaft, causing the engine’s pistons and valves to open and close at the right time. If the timing belt breaks and you have a non-interference engine, your vehicle will stop running. However, if you have an interference engine, a broken timing belt will cause the pistons to strike open valves, destroying your engine. Because of this, you should have the timing belt replaced at the recommended intervals.
- Serpentine Belt: The serpentine belt is also known as the drive belt or the accessory belt. It gets the name “serpentine” from the snakelike way it winds around various engine pulleys. Most modern vehicles have serpentine belts. These belts drive several components, including the alternator, power steering pump, cooling fan, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. If the serpentine belt in your vehicle breaks, all of these components will stop running, putting you at risk of an overheating engine and dangerously difficult steering. You should have the serpentine belt inspected regularly; our technicians will check for signs of wear and let you know if it needs to be replaced.
- V-Belts: If you have a classic car, it likely has V-belts instead of a serpentine belt. Instead of one belt controlling the various accessories, there will be numerous belts, with each one in charge of one particular accessory. These belts will also need to be replaced from time to time, and they tend not to last as long as serpentine belts.