Get Your Bearings on Engine Belts: Why It’s Important to Keep Them in Check

Summer is coming and that means it’s time for cross-country road trips and wild vacation adventures. Before you go, though, you need to make sure your car is in good working order to avoid emergency automotive repairs. For most people, this means cleaning it out and checking the oil, but one thing that you definitely should do before you go on a road trip is check your engine belts. In fact, checking your engine belts should be done regularly as part of your standard auto maintenance.

What Are Engine Belts?

The belts in your engine allow many of your car’s vital systems to run. From enabling power steering to recharging your car’s battery, many belts are at work under the hood of your automobile. The belts connect your engine to the other systems in order to provide them with power.

Where Are the Engine Belts?

Engine belts are found connecting your engine to the air conditioner pump, steering pump, alternator, and water pump. Other engine belts may be present under your vehicle’s hood, but these are the most prevalent in modern cars. If you have questions about where they are on your specific vehicle, then ask your mechanic the next time you take your automobile in for a repair.

How to Check Your Engine Belt

While replacing engine belts should be done by a qualified auto repair professional, there are several things you can do to check up on your belts. First, look for any cracks on the belts showing evidence of them drying out and weakening. You can also check how tense the belts are. If your belts have the proper tension, then you should be able to twist them only 1/4 of a turn—no more, no less.

So what happens if your engine belts look like they need to be adjusted or replaced? Take your vehicle into Murray’s Auto Clinic for factory-recommended service maintenance in Silver Spring. We also offer Silver Spring brake repair and emissions testing. Come see us today for friendly service you can rely on!