Belts: A simple inspection could save time, frustration

You pull up to a stoplight, come to a stop, and your favorite song is drowned out by an unbearable squeal from under the hood.

It's your belts. And it's not an issue that should be viewed lightly; it needs to be taken care of right away.

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Drive belts control many major components of your vehicle's cooling, steering and other engine mounted accessories. These belts are generally comprised of reinforced, high-tensile strength cords encased in synthetic rubber.

Today's vehicles commonly use two different types of belts. The first is what is known as a V-Belt. When looked at in a cross section view this belt is shaped like a V to match the engines V-shaped pulleys. The second is called the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt has more of a circular path to match multiple pulleys. This belt utilizes ribs along the belt for better grip and performance at pulley contact points. A worn or ruined belt can spell disaster for an engine.

If a belt fails many issues can occur. Things such as power steering, the A/C compressor and even the water pump will cease to function without the power of the belt to run them.

So what should you look for to keep from becoming stranded in the summer heat?

Squealing, glazing on the sidewalls of the belt, missing chunks of the belt and even fraying and splitting on the backside of the belt are all clues for replacement. A glazed look on a belt occurs from the belt slipping on the pulleys. The slippage can occur due to low tension of the pulleys, contact from grease or oil and even the wrong size belt. Over time this glazing will harden the belt making it more prone to cracking and premature failure.

Statistically drive belt failures become more prominent after 36,000 miles and serpentine belts fail more after 50,000. Even though these mileage points are good to keep in mind, the serpentine and drive belts should be thoroughly examined with every oil change.

Need to get your belts replaced? Visit www.goodyearep.com.