Following its name sake, the serpentine belt snakes its way along the front of the engine driving auxiliary components such as your power steering pump, alternator, water pump, and smog pump. Serpentine belts wear out over time, and render your vehicle inoperable once they break.  Carworks of Longmont offers a serpentine belt inspection and replacement service using quality NAPA belts. If you haven’t had your serpentine belt inspected in the last year, you should probably plan to do so soon.

Symptoms of serpentine belt that should be replaced:

• Cracks or wear marks on the serpentine belt. Cracks indicate that the belt should be replaced immediately so you don’t get stranded.
• Loud squealing coming from the engine compartment.  While squealing often is caused by a worn serpentine belt, other issues may be present.
• Reduced performance in one or more of the auxiliary components such as the alternator, or power steering.  If the serpentine belt is cracked, it actually stretches out like a worn rubber band, and thus doesn’t create the necessary friction to drive/spin these auxiliary components. Squealing usually accompanies this symptom.

If you are planning on a road trip, it’s always a good idea to bring your car to Carworks for a serpentine belt inspection. We also over a comprehensive overall vehicle inspection to help make sure you get where you are going.  Call us today for more information!