Do You Need to Replace One of Your Car Belts?

In order to keep your Buick well maintained, you’ll occasionally need to replace your timing belt and your serpentine belt, the latter of which is also known as the car belt. Your timing belt synchronizes your camshaft and crankshaft, opening and closing valves as your engine runs. Your serpentine belt transfers power to various important engine accessories. Let’s take a look at common indicators that you need to visit your local Buick dealer to replace a belt.  

Do You Need to Replace One of Your Car Belts?

Serpentine Belt Trouble

Without a fully functioning serpentine belt, your car will rapidly run into all sorts of problems. A serpentine belt weaves and winds between many shafts and pulleys, powering various accessories. Over time, these belts can occasionally loosen, slip off, or snap. Here are four main signs of serpentine belt trouble to look out for.

Your Air Con Stops Working

The serpentine belt powers the air conditioning compressor, which is vital for the air con to work. So if you find your cabin failing to cool down on a hot summer’s day, your serpentine belt may well be the culprit.

Your Electronics Falter

Your car’s battery is charged by the alternator, which in turn is powered by the engine via the serpentine belt. So if your belt slips or cracks, the battery will stop recharging while you’re on the road and will swiftly die. If you notice various electronics failing, including your headlamps and engine starter, check your serpentine belt first of all.

Your Power Steering Fails

If you’re driving the ever-popular 2022 Buick Enclave, or any other Buick model, you’ll know how silky smooth the steering is. This superior handling is augmented by a very advanced power steering pump, which is kept functioning by the serpentine belt. So if your steering ever suddenly becomes heavier, your belt may have stopped doing its job.

Your Engine’s Overheating

The coolant system of your Buick plays a vital role in keeping your engine from overheating. Coolant is pushed around the engine by the water pump, which is powered by the serpentine belt. So if you ever notice signs of overheating, such as ticking noises, a burning smell, or your temperature gauge shooting up, then your serpentine belt might be to blame.

Timing Belt Problems

Your timing belt plays the more limited but equally important role of ensuring the engine valves are opening and closing in harmony. Any timing belt fault will be immediately noticeable as your engine starts to malfunction.

You might find your engine failing to start, or misfiring frequently when it does. You’ll hear strange ticking noises and you might even find oil leaking from under your hood. You might also notice smoke pouring from your exhaust. If you notice any of these problems, have your timing belt checked by a trusted technician right away.

How a Buick Dealer Inspects Your Belts

A technician will check both belts carefully, looking for any sign of cracks or fraying along the edges. They’ll use a belt wear gauge to measure the depth of the V-grooves that keep the belts gripping the pulleys. In the case of the timing belt, they’ll also check the nuts and bolts that hold it in place, which can occasionally come loose over time.

Have your serpentine and timing belt examined by experienced professionals today at Crain Buick GMC. We’re the region’s number one Buick GMC dealership, and we’re dedicated to providing all of our customers with nothing short of outstanding service, whatever your vehicle needs may be.

Image by wnk1029 from Pixabay

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