Car belts make most of the inner workings of our engines function, yet few car owners know the difference between the belts found in their vehicles. The automotive experts at Mullanphy Tire & Automotive in Florissant, MO, believe that understanding the different types of mechanical belts and their importance is key to being aware of the signs of wear and tear. This knowledge can help car owners maintain their vehicles and avoid costly auto repairs.

Different Types of Car Belts

Serpentine Belts

Found in most cars made after 1990, the serpentine belt provides power to the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, cooling fan, and more. Also called a drive belt, when this belt breaks it tends to cause significant problems with the vehicle. Not only do all of the functions powered by the serpentine belt stop working, but the car will usually overheat, causing damage to its inner workings. It’s recommended that this belt is checked for cracks or signs of excessive wear during each oil change. Look for indicators that the belt needs replacement, such as screeching noises coming from the engine, especially upon starting the car on cold mornings and while making sharp turns. 

Timing Belts

The timing belt is a hidden, notched rubber belt that keeps engine components such as the crankshaft and camshaft in sync with each other. Since so many of an engine's components function in tight spaces, this belt ensures they are all operating in synchronized motion and don’t bump into one another. If this belt breaks or slips, the engine will ultimately become damaged and stop working. Look out for a slapping sound coming from the engine, as this might indicate that the timing belt has slipped off, and it’s important not to drive the car until this is fixed.  

V-Belts

Prior to the development of serpentine belts, V-belts were used to perform the same function, but individual belts were used. This means there’s a separate V-belt for power steering, air conditioning, water pump operation, etc. Engines built this way have the advantage of redundancy, so if one belt breaks, other systems can still function. These belts tend to cause more problems, however, as they are difficult to install at the right tension and require more maintenance. Newer engines are made with serpentine belts to prevent the need for constant auto repair.

For all of your belt inspection and auto repair needs in the Florissant area, make an appointment with the trained automotive professionals at Mullanphy Tire & Automotive. With over 16 years of experience, you can trust them to handle your vehicle. They can be reached at (314) 921-4961 or on their website for appointments and other service information.