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how often should you change the belts on your car

by Mr. Ola Christiansen Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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A good rule of thumb is to replace your V-Belt every 30,000 miles, while your serpentine belt and timing belt should be replaced every 50,000, although these numbers vary depending on the make and model of your car. Hoses should typically be replaced every four years.

Full Answer

How to tighten a drive belt?

  • Put your mower on parking mode.
  • Detach the power cable.
  • Locate the belt.
  • Find the bracket and loosen the bracket screw.
  • Adjust the belt and tighten the screws.
  • Pull the deck back and reconnect the power cable.

How often does the timing belt need to be changed?

When to Replace Your Timing Belt

  • Acura. Acuras have one of the longest intervals for timing belt replacement. ...
  • Audi. Most Audis have a recommended timing belt replacement at 110,000 miles. ...
  • Chrysler. In general, Chrysler vehicles should have their timing belt replaced at 50,000 miles or after five years, whichever comes first.
  • Ford. ...
  • GM. ...
  • Honda. ...
  • Hyundai. ...

How do you change the drive belt?

  • Turn off the engine of your lawnmower and disconnect the spark plug wire as well.
  • Locate the main frame tube on your lawnmower.
  • Locate the belt, also known as the drive belt, inside the deck of your lawnmower.
  • Tighten the belt of your lawnmower by shortening the location of the main frame inside the clamps.

How to adjust drive belts?

If you would like to do it without cutting it off you can follow these steps:

  • Make sure the golf cart is turned off, the transition is in neutral, and the brakes are locked. ...
  • If the drive belt is loose you can remove it very easily by pulling it off the rear and starter clutch.
  • If it’s too hard to do so, you can simply use a screwdriver and place it under the drive belt as a lever while rotating the clutch and it will ...

How long do hoses last?

What is Integrity Auto Repair?

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How do you know when your car needs a new belt?

Signs You May Need A New Serpentine Belt Loud noise or screech from under the hood, particularly when you accelerate. Serpentine Belt shows signs of fraying, cracking, splitting, or glazing. Engine components such as power steering cease to operate. Engine overheats.More items...•

How long do belts last on a car?

They're usually good for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Even so, don't neglect your car belt maintenance. It's still a good idea to have a mechanic check the belt from time to time. Usually they'll do this as a courtesy if you're in for an oil change or other servicing.

How expensive is it to replace a serpentine belt?

But what does a serpentine belt replacement cost? Of course, it depends on your make and model as well as labor costs, but in general a replacement serpentine belt costs around $70-$200 (plus taxes and fees), including around $50 for the belt and around $150 for the labor.

How long do belts usually last?

According to belt manufacturers, failure rates rise sharply after 3 years of service. Replacing V-belts every 3-4 years can minimize the risk of sudden belt failure. Most cars on the road today have only one belt, a serpentine belt.

How do you know if your car belt is bad?

Common signs include a squealing noise from the front of the vehicle, power steering and AC not working, engine overheating, and cracks on the belt.

Should I replace all belts at once?

So if one V belt is worn or breaks, it may mean that it was simply slightly weaker than the others, or that the system itself is out of balance. In either case, one new belt can “unbalance” a well-worn, functioning system. This is why you should change all of the V belts at once.

How do I know if my serpentine belt is worn out?

A squealing or noisy belt is one of the most common symptoms of a slipping or worn serpentine belt. Squealing can be more pronounced when you're climbing a hill and running your heater or air conditioning at the same time. Squealing can also occur after you drive over deep puddles or have an undercarriage car wash.

What happens if a serpentine belt breaks while driving?

If the serpentine belt breaks, the alternator stops generating electrical power. If that happens, your headlights will dim, the radio won't work, and the battery will die. The battery warning light will also turn on because your battery isn't being charged.

What does a worn serpentine belt sound like?

Belt Noise As these belts wear out, they can begin to squeak or squeal. They make noise because there is not enough tension on the belt, or because the pulleys are misaligned or weak. Often, simply changing the belt will make it stop squealing. The noise isn't usually a danger, though it does sound alarming.

What happens if you don't replace serpentine belt?

If a serpentine belt goes bad, engine accessories stop working. This can result in something relatively benign, such as no air conditioning, or something much more serious such as a loss power steering or a lack of coolant circulation, which can lead to engine overheating and expensive damage.

What causes belts to fail?

Missing cogs can cause belts to slip and fail, when it is discovered there are teeth missing, the belt should be changed immediately. The most common reasons your belt could be missing a cog are excessive heat, the pulleys are too small or misaligned. It can also be caused by improper or prolonged storage of belts.

Is timing belt and drive belt the same?

A timing belt makes sure that the engine's pistons, valves, and crankshaft, and camshaft are in time or operating in sync. On the other hand, the drive belt is responsible for using the engine's revolutions to drive the belt-driven accessories like the alternator, water pump, AC compressor, and power steering pump.

Can a serpentine belt last 200000 miles?

With that being said most serpentine/drive belts can last for a very long time before they need to be replaced. The lifespan of the belt will depend mostly on the type of material it's made of. Older style belts generally last about 50,000 miles, while those made from EPDM can last up to 100,000 miles.

What causes belts to fail?

Missing cogs can cause belts to slip and fail, when it is discovered there are teeth missing, the belt should be changed immediately. The most common reasons your belt could be missing a cog are excessive heat, the pulleys are too small or misaligned. It can also be caused by improper or prolonged storage of belts.

What happens if drive belt breaks while driving?

Your car cannot run with a broken timing belt. By the time the belt snaps, the damage is already done, and you will not be able to drive at all. You will need to have the vehicle towed to an auto repair workshop.

Can a serpentine belt last 150000 miles?

An older-style belt, made from Neoprene, usually lasts around 50,000 miles. Thus, a car with this type of belt might last you for four to five years. However, a newer belt made from ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM, may last for 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles.

Recommended interval for replacing radiator hoses?

Is there a set time or miles before radiator hoses should be changed? One thread mentioned 100,000 miles but I can't find any recommendation in the FSM. I understand about internal leaks, unseen cracks, swelling, etc; I'm looking for the recommended change interval if there is one??

How Long Will My Belts and Hoses Last? | News | Cars.com

Maybe forever, if you rely on an overly liberal interpretation of the maintenance schedules set by some vehicle manufacturers. That doesn’t mean you should ignore them or even accept the ...

Radiator Hose Life Expectancy? - DoItYourself.com Community Forums

Passenger Cars, Mini Vans, SUV Service and Repairs. (No Trucks) - Radiator Hose Life Expectancy? - Just looking for a general idea, of expected life of radiator hose, I'm guessing 4 or 5 yrs, is most to look for before you can really press your luck. Any reason to keep inspecting year to year and gamble? Any

How often should I replace my belts and hoses?

It used to be easy to spot aging in belts and hoses, but modern parts often show no outward signs of damage. A good rule of thumb is to replace your V-Belt every 30,000 miles, while your serpentine belt and timing belt should be replaced every 50,000, although these numbers vary depending on the make and model of your car.

Signs it's time to Replace Your Radiator Hose(s) - force.com

1. Electrochemical Degradation (ECD) This is the number one cause of hose failures. ECD is the breakdown of material in the hose wall or tube due to electrical reactions between the fluid (coolant) and the metal parts of the engine. The cause of ECD is primarily a function of electrolysis based on the materials in the system (such as the hose, bl

How to tell if drive belt needs replacing?

How can you tell if a drive belt needs to be replaced? Your mechanic will look for cuts, cracks, missing chunks and other signs of wear; usually, it's fairly easy to see if the belt is worn out. For example, the old belt in the photo above shows cracks.

How many drive belts does a Mazda have?

The Mazda has two drive belts. Fig3. A drive belt is made of long-lasting rubber-based material. In most cars, a drive belt is replaced between 40,000 and 70,000 miles, however, we have seen cases where the drive belt lasted over 100k miles.

How to tell if drive belt is worn out?

One of the early signs of a worn out drive belt is when it starts squeaking in rainy weather.

How much does it cost to replace a hydraulic belt tensioner?

A hydraulic belt tensioner needs to be replaced if it's leaking oil. Replacing the serpentine belt may cost from $75 to $250, depending on the car. Replacing the belt tensioner together with the belt will add $45-$155 to the total repair bill.

What to do if your drive belt is saturated?

If your mechanic found that a drive belt is saturated in oil, he or she may recommend repairing the oil leak first. This is because if you install a new belt and the oil leaks onto it, the belt will not last long. To work properly, a drive belt must be under proper tension.

Why won't my car drive if the drive belt breaks?

Broken drive belt. If a drive belt breaks, you won't be able to drive your car. This is because the engine will overheat if the water pump is not running. Also, if your car has hydraulic power steering, you will lose the steering assist, as the power steering pump will be disabled.

Why does my drive belt wear out?

For example, if the splash shield underneath the engine (engine undercover) is broken, the belt will wear out sooner. Oil leaks can also damage the drive belt. Eventually, a worn drive belt will break. Broken drive belt.

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How long does an EPDM belt last?

Most belt manufacturers estimate the typical lifespan of an EPDM belt to be 50,000 to 60,000 miles, and some say it’s more than 100,000 miles.

What happens if the belt on the power steering pump breaks?

If this accessory drive belt (also called a V-belts or serpentine belts) breaks, the battery won’t get charged, the air conditioner won’t blow cold air and the power steering will go out.

Why does my alternator keep humming?

That will cause problems in systems that rely on the belt to keep things humming. For example, a slipping drive belt may cause the alternator to work intermittently or at reduced power, and the battery won’t get fully recharged as a result, perhaps triggering a warning light.

How often should I replace my timing belt?

There is no simple answer. First, check your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule. Some manufacturers recommend replacing the timing belt every 30,000 miles, while others suggest 120,000 miles. Several other factors should be part of the equation when considering replacing a timing belt, including: 1 Engine performance I: A poor running engine could indicate a loose timing belt skewing engine valve timing. 2 Engine performance II: Engine misfire from a bad spark plug wire or coil places undo stress on a timing belt, shortening its life. 3 Clicking or squealing noise from the front of the engine: Missing teeth can cause a timing belt to make a clicking noise. A weak or defective timing belt tensioner or glazed idler pulley will produce high-pitched squealing, rattling or squeaking noises. 4 Driving conditions: Lots of city stop-and-go driving, heavy acceleration and extreme temperatures place additional stress on timing belts. 5 Common sense: If you buy a used car with more than 50,000 miles and the seller cannot show proof the timing belt was ever replaced.

How Often Should a Timing Belt Be Replaced?

First, check your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule. Some manufacturers recommend replacing the timing belt every 30,000 miles, while others suggest 120,000 miles. Several other factors should be part of the equation when considering replacing a timing belt, including:

How Can You Tell a Timing Belt Needs To Be Replaced?

Consult a repair manual to see if you can easily remove the timing belt cover. A repair manual is different from an owner’s manual because it lists step-by-step repair procedures. Most auto parts stores carry vehicle repair manuals, and many lend them to their customers at no cost.

How Much Does DIY Timing Belt Replacement Cost?

Timing belt replacement should be left to the pros. It can be complicated to replace the timing belt on most engines, especially those with dual camshafts or lots of drive accessories that need to be removed.

What is a timing belt?

A timing belt is similar to an engine drive belt, except timing belts have teeth. In many engines, timing belts have replaced metal timing chains (similar to a bicycle chain) connecting the camshaft and crankshaft gears.

Why does my timing belt fail?

Because the crankshaft keeps rotating, pistons will slam into any valves stuck in the open position, causing catastrophic engine damage. A timing belt failure in a non-interference engine will leave you inconveniently stranded. Timing belts are a maintenance item; they can wear out and fail without warning. Check your owner’s manual.

Why does my timing belt make a clicking noise?

Clicking or squealing noise from the front of the engine: Missing teeth can cause a timing belt to make a clicking noise. A weak or defective timing belt tensioner or glazed idler pulley will produce high-pitched squealing, rattling or squeaking noises.

How Often Should You Change the Belts in Your Car?

It is often beneficial to change the drive belts in your car approximately every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. By undergoing annual car inspections, you can have your drive belts evaluated. If any signs of damage or severe wear and tear are identified, the belts can be replaced.

Why is it hard to see the timing belt?

It can be tough to see the timing belt due to the fact that it is likely hidden underneath a timing cover.

What is the name of the belt that runs under the hood of a car?

1. Serpentine Belt . A serpentine belt is located under the hood of a car, and it “snakes” its way between various pulleys and accessories. This type of drive belt is usually found in cars produced after 1990.

How to tell if serpentine belt is bad?

There are many signs that your car’s serpentine belt may need to be replaced, and these include: Squealing noise from the front of your car. Power steering stops working. Air conditioning stops working. Engine overheats. Cracking on the belt.

What dictates whether your car's engine will run?

The timing belt dictates whether your car’s engine will run.

What is a V belt?

V-Belt. A V-belt runs off a crank and pulley and typically travels between one or two engine accessories. Older cars often have several V-belts used for power steering, air conditioning, and other operating essentials. V-belts can be more difficult to change than serpentine belts.

Do you need to replace drive belts?

When it comes to drive belts, multiple types are necessary to keep your car running. If you know about the different kinds of drive belts, you can properly maintain them and replace them as needed.

Why won't my car run after a belt fails?

Because the belt powers – on most vehicles – the water pump and alternator, the vehicle won’t operate for very long or at all when the belt fails, not to mention that trying to drive even after the belt fails risks causing further damage to the engine and components.

How to tell if serpentine belt is worn?

The best strategy to gauge wear is to have the serpentine belt inspected for damage and for proper tensioning at every oil change, and to follow the recommend mileage or time intervals for belt replacement. A failing or improperly tensioned serpentine belt usually exhibits some warning signs prior to complete failure, including: 1 The air conditioning system doesn’t work properly 2 Power steering is sluggish or isn’t functioning at all 3 The battery isn’t charging properly, or a battery or alternator warning is illuminated 4 Vehicle overheats 5 Belt squeals or maes other noises 6 Belt is shiny, frayed, has chunks of rubber missing, or has cracks between the belt teeth

What is serpentine belt?

Your vehicle’s serpentine belt is one long, winding belt that snakes around several pulleys and is usually visible at the front or on the side of the engine. In most modern vehicles, it drives the air conditioning, power steering, water pump, and alternator – charging the battery and providing additional electrical power. On older vehicles, these various components are often powered by multiple belts. Proper tension is key to a serpentine belt’s performance, and on most vehicles an automatic tensioner adjusts that tension as the belt stretches due to wear, or stretches and contracts with changing temperatures.

What does the alternator drive?

In most modern vehicles, it drives the air conditioning, power steering, water pump, and alternator – charging the battery and providing additional electrical power. On older vehicles, these various components are often powered by multiple belts.

Do rubber belts need to be replaced?

These rubber belts all need to be inspected and replaced in a manner similar to how the serpentine belt is treated. Additionally, internal combustion engines have a timing belt or chain that plays a critically important role in engine function.

Can you drive a car if a serpentine belt fails?

Because the belt powers – on most vehicles – the water pump and alternator, the vehicle won’t operate for very long or at all when the belt fails, not to mention that trying to drive even after the belt fails risks causing further damage to the engine and components.

Do you need a belt tensioner for a serpentine belt?

As mentioned previously, proper tension is key to a serpentine belt’s performance, and a spring-loaded or hydraulic automatic belt tensioner maintains that tension. This belt tensioner should be inspected along with the serpentine belt, and considered for service or replacement at the same time. On vehicles with a manual belt tensioner, the tension should be adjusted as needed.

When to replace drive belt?

When to replace a drive belt is a judgment call by a repair technician, and it’s up to the vehicle owner to decide if the time is right given the manufacturers have largely chosen to stay out of it. We would err on the side of caution, because when a drive belt breaks your car comes to a halt.

How many miles should a timing belt last?

In some cases, that’s as soon as 60,000 miles but in others it can be 100,000 or more.

What is a timing belt?

Don’t confuse a drive belt with a timing belt, which connects the crankshaft to the camshafts and controls the timing of when valves open and close. Timing belts are out of view behind a timing cover and more complicated and expensive to replace, mainly because of the additional labor.

How long do drive belts last?

Drive belts are usually the serpentine type that snake their way around pulleys to power the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and perhaps the water pump, and they’re designed to last several years.

How long do coolant hoses last?

Coolant hoses typically last several years, though anything longer than 10 years may be pushing the limits. Rubber weakens with age and from repeated exposure to hot coolant, so the older they get the higher chance they’ll leak and cause the engine to overheat.

How long do hoses last?

On average, hoses last about four years, although they can last longer. The thing to look for with hoses is whether they are cracking, loosening, or showing other signs of wear and tear. Once they begin to show their age, it’s best to replace them so you don’t lose crucial fluids or vacuum pressure out of your engine or brake system. If you see spots on your garage floor, the leak could be coming from a hose.

What is Integrity Auto Repair?

Call Integrity Auto Repair today for an automotive service appointment. We’ll inspect your vehicle’s belts and hoses and let you know how many miles and years they have left on them. If anything needs to be replaced, we’ll do so right then and there so you can drive off with confidence.

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