7 Signs You Need to Replace a Car Engine Belt

The car belt in your engine compartment is a relatively simple component that serves a vital function. This winding rubber belt, also known as the drive belt, transfers power from your engine’s crankshaft to the alternator and a few other important accessories. If you ever notice one of the seven problems below, check to see if your drive belt has broken or slipped loose. You can always have it inspected or replaced at your local Nissan dealership.

Your Steering Becomes Heavier

Have you ever wondered why it’s so easy to turn the wheels on your two-ton car, even when it’s stationary? The answer is power steering.

Your power steering pump is kept alive by the drive belt. Should the belt ever slip or crack, you’ll notice the difference. Without power steering, it’s much harder to turn your steering wheel, especially when the car isn’t moving.

Your Engine Overheats

The water pump that propels coolant around the engine cooling system is also powered by the drive belt. If the belt slips off or breaks, your cooling system will falter. You’ll see the temperature gauge on your dashboard shoot up, and soon your engine will start to overheat.

Your Engine Stalls 

If the drive belt stops powering the alternator, then your car must depend on the battery alone for electrical power. When the battery drains, all your electronics will fail. This includes your ignition coils, which means your engine’s cylinders will stop firing, and your car will come to a halt.

Your AC Stops Working

One last accessory powered by the drive belt is your air conditioning pump. If this pump loses its power, your cabin will soon be too warm for comfort.

You Hear Whining

A drive belt can occasionally slip loose. When it begins to slip, it often emits a strange whining sound. This sound is created by the belt rubbing at odd angles on the pulleys at high speed.

Your Belt is Frayed

If you pop the hood to examine your drive belt, look for any signs of fraying at the edges. Fraying means the rubber is getting too old, and the belt needs to be replaced. Cracks also mean the belt has lost its structural integrity and needs to go.

Your Belt is Grooveless

Rows of V-grooves hold a drive belt onto the crankshaft and pulleys. Over time, these grooves can begin to wear down. If they become too shallow, the belt is sure to slip off soon.

You can remove the belt and visually inspect the grooves. You’re likely to notice if they’ve started to wear down. There’s also a special tool for this task called a belt wear gauge, which you can purchase at most auto parts stores.

Have your drive belt examined or replaced today at Nissan of Picayune. We’re a local family-owned dealership helping the region’s drivers for over a decade.