Mazda Serpentine Belt and Systems It Controls

The serpentine belt, sometimes called a drive belt, plays an important role in the proper functioning of the engine of any automobile. It is a key component of the drive belt system. The serpentine belt works with the tensioner, idler, and pulleys to generate power for the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning, and the water pump for the cooling system. It transports power to vital components of an automobile. A long, winding, snaking belt, the serpentine belt helps to keep vehicles running smoothly and effectively. Seacoast Mazda will check, adjust and if necessary, replace the serpentine belts as part of your maintenance services.

Signs Of A Serpentine Belt Problem

If the serpentine belt in your vehicle breaks, it will cause the steering system to suddenly lose power. Turning the steering wheel will become very difficult. The water pump will not be able to circulate coolant throughout the cooling system. The engine may overheat. The alternator will not be able to run the charging system. The car's crankshaft will stop turning and some of the valves will remain in the open position. The engine will stop working. If the serpentine belt breaks while the vehicle is moving, the vehicle will continue to run for between 70 to 90 minutes and then shut down.

How Many Serpentine Belts Does A Vehicle Have?

Automobiles can have one or two belts. When there is only one belt in the engine, it's called a serpentine belt. Some vehicles also have an accessory drive belt or an alternator belt. A serpentine belt is not the same thing as a timing belt. Serpentine belts are made of rubber and power several engine accessories like the water pump, air conditioning compressor, and alternator. It transmits mechanical power. If the serpentine belt is worn, damaged, or broken, the engine and other peripheral components will suffer. The team at Seacoast Mazda can take care of your serpentine belt quickly, easily, and properly.

Is Repairing Or Replacing A Serpentine Belt Expensive?

Not repairing or replacing your serpentine belt is what is expensive. Our highly skilled service technician can quickly repair or replace your serpentine belt at a very affordable price. This can prevent serious damage from occurring to your engine and related components. If the serpentine belt breaks while you are driving, the health and safety of everyone in the vehicle are at risk. Ideally, at least once or twice each year, automobile owners should be proactive and take their vehicles to Seacoast Mazda to make sure that their serpentine belt is in good condition and not in danger of breaking.

Does Changing A Serpentine Belt Take A Long Time?

The team of service technicians at Seacoast Mazda has the tools, equipment, expertise, and experience that make changing a serpentine belt fast and easy. Automatic drive belt tensioners have made it unnecessary to push components into position or loosen bolts to remove and replace old, worn, or damaged serpentine belts. The technicians simply rotate the tensioner, take out the old serpentine belt, and put in a new one. For our experienced, well-trained service technicians, changing a serpentine belt can be done in a matter of minutes. When you come to Seacoast Mazda, we can change your serpentine gelt and have you on your way in under an hour.

What Causes Serpentine Belts To Slip Off Or Break?

There are several reasons why serpentine belts may slip off or break. It can be something as simple as wear and tear making it lose or weak, loss of belt tension, pulley misalignment, the serpentine belt not being properly maintained, a failed pulley bearing, friction between an accessory's drive pulley and the belt, or even oil or moisture on the serpentine belt can cause it to slip off or break. When you bring your vehicle to Seacoast Mazda for maintenance services, we will carefully assess your serpentine belt and the pulleys over which it runs and determine if it needs to be cleaned, tightened, or replaced to keep it functioning properly.

Signs Your Serpentine Belt Needs Changing

Ideally, you should bring your vehicle to Seacoast Mazda at least once a year for maintenance service and allow us to check and if needed, change the serpentine belt. If you don't, there are some signs that can let you know it's time for a new serpentine belt. They include:

• Chirping and squeaking sounds coming from under the hood.
• Problems with your air conditioning system and your power steering.
• Cracks or signs of wear and tear on the serpentine belt.
• Your vehicle is having a problem starting.

If you notice one or more of these signs, it could mean it's time to replace your serpentine belt. Bring your vehicle to Seacoast Mazda and let us check your serpentine belt and related systems and let you know why your vehicle is giving problems.

What Happens If You Ignore The Signs

If you ignore the signs your serpentine belt may need to be replaced, you run the risk of your serpentine belt breaking and your vehicle shutting down at the most inopportune time. If your serpentine belt breaks while you are driving, important systems like the water pump, the power steering, the alternator, and the air conditioner will no longer work. Plus, you can lose the ability to control your steering wheel while you are in fast-moving traffic. That can put you and anyone in the vehicle with you in very grave danger. To avoid this type of hazardous situation, bring your vehicle to Seacoast Mazda at the first sign of trouble.

Periodically Do A Visual Inspection

If you have never had your serpentine belt changed, you should have the professionals at Seacoast Mazda periodically do a visual inspection of it. We will let you know if it is in danger of slipping off the pulley or suddenly breaking without warning. When you bring your vehicle to Seacoast Mazda, we will inspect it and let you know if it needs replacing to keep you and your vehicle safe.