Armstrong - Macko Automotive Ltd
77 Leeson Dr Chatham, ON N7M 5T9 519-354-3070

What Chatham Drivers Need to Know About Their Serpentine Belt

Last Updated: Nov 19, 2019

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 are also driven by the serpentine belt. Some have separate electric motors.

Serpentine belts do a lot of work for Chatham drivers, but they’re tough and can last for thousands of kilometers, but just how long will they last? That’ll vary for each individual vehicle. Your car maker will have a recommendation for when it should be changed, but it could need it sooner. The good news is that a visual inspection at Armstrong - Macko Automotive Ltd in Chatham 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? Chatham 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 Armstrong - Macko Automotive Ltd service advisor to have it looked over.

Stop by or give us a call.

Armstrong - Macko Automotive Ltd
77 Leeson Dr
Chatham, ON N7M 5T9
519-354-3070
www.armstrongmacko.com

At Armstrong - Macko Automotive Ltd we install quality NAPA replacement parts.