How to Check the Drive Belt

The drive belt in your car plays a minor part in the inner workings. There is nothing much to say about it really, except that it powers the air con, the water pump, power steering and brakes, and the alternator. And some other things too, but hey, nothing major, right? Anyway, if you hear a squeal from underneath the hood of your vehicle, then the law of averages dictates that it could be something to do with your drive belt. So let us flip that hood and have a look. In fact, even if you have not heard a squeak, it is a lot better to be safe than sorry, so join in.

You do not need to be a mechanic to check the drive belt of your car. This is good news, since if you are reading a guide on how to check a drive belt; you probably are not a very thoroughly trained mechanic. It will not even necessarily take long. You can do this every time you change your oil, to ensure the continued smooth running of things. But make sure the engine is switched off before inspecting anything in there, and if you are going anywhere near the fan make sure the engine has cooled completely before you touch it. Disconnect the fan completely, to make 100% sure it will not engage. Trust me, it is one of those things you want to be 100% sure about.

You are looking for deep cracks, splits and frayed edges in your drive belt. Or, more optimistically, you are looking for NONE of these things. If they do appear, it ids bad news and your drive belt will need replacing. If there are small cracks here and there it will not be a problem, but anything that looks like structural damage will need to be repaired or replaced. It is not something you want to risk leaving only for it to fail you when you need it. You are also looking for tension. This is a balance issue. Too loose and it will need tightening to avoid it slipping, too tight and it will need loosening so that it does not crack or snap. Just a light press on the middle or where the belt hangs above things, and if it goes down more than half an inch you will need to tighten it.

If it has any of the aforementioned major flaws, you will need to replace your drive belt. Remove the old one by first loosening it and then lifting it off, then take it to an auto parts store. There, they will be able to give you guidance on what kind of belt you need to replace it with, and how to do this. What you are looking for is a belt that is shorter than the one you are holding. The one you are holding has stretched with use. Buy one as long, or longer, and it will be coming loose before you have driven a thousand miles.

Have a fun and safe time on the road, and visit us to find the best deal on the insurance coverage you need. Get money-saving tips, free quotes for affordable auto insurance and helpful recommendations about your automobile policy at Auto Insurance Rates Direct today

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By Levi Quinn