What Houston Drivers Need to Know About Their Serpentine Belt

Your serpentine belt drives your alternator and air conditioning compressor. The power steering and power brake pumps are driven by the serpentine belt in many vehicles. In some vehicles, the water pump is driven by the serpentine belt (in others it's driven by the timing belt). The radiator cooling fan on some vehicles is also driven by the serpentine belt. Some have separate electric motors.

Serpentine belts do a lot of work for Houston vehicles. They're tough and can last a long time, but just how long will they last? That'll vary for each individual vehicle. Your vehicle manufacturer will have a recommendation for when it should be changed, but it could need changing sooner. The good news is that a visual inspection at Martinez Complete Auto Service in Houston can reveal a belt that's worn.

It's often recommended that the tensioner pulley that keeps the belt at the proper tension be replaced along with the serpentine belt. This pulley is mounted to the engine block with a spring loaded arm.

What are the warning signs that there's a problem with the serpentine belt? Houston drivers may hear a squealing sound from under the hood when accelerating. A loose belt might give you a slow, slapping sound.

If you suspect a problem with your serpentine belt, or if it's just been a while since it was last checked, ask your friendly and knowledgeable Martinez Complete Auto Service service advisor to have it looked over.

Give us a call.

Martinez Complete Auto Service
14502 Eagle Pass st
Houston, TX 77015
281-501-8987
www.facebook.com/MartinezCompleteAutoService

At Martinez Complete Auto Service we install quality NAPA replacement parts.