Back to all

Bentonville Car Owners Ask: Why Do I Need to Change My Serpentine Belt?

June 6, 2020

Any Bentonville driver who understands preventive maintenance knows that “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” is bad auto advice. Replacing a part before it breaks is much less costly for Bentonville residents than repairing the engine damage that comes after a part breaks or fails. A good example of this is the serpentine belt.

The serpentine belt gets its name because of its circuitous path around the engine. The serpentine belt is driven by the engine and powers a number of systems, as follows:

1. The serpentine belt spins the compressor that generates the cool air for the air conditioning system.
2. The serpentine belt powers the alternator. The alternator generates electricity for use in the vehicle's electrical systems and to charge the battery. Without the alternator, the battery wouldn't last more than a few miles.
3. In many Bentonville residents' vehicles, the serpentine belt runs the pumps for both the power steering and the power brakes. In other vehicles, the power steering pump may be electric and the power brakes may use a vacuum boost.
4. On many vehicles, the serpentine belt powers the water pump. The water pump keeps coolant circulating through to maintain appropriate operating temperatures. In some Arkansas vehicles, a timing belt runs the water pump.

When a serpentine belt fails, all of these systems fail as well, which can lead to engine impact.

Replacing parts before they break saves money for Bentonville residents by preventing more repairs and the frustration of having your vehicle in the shop for an extended period of time. If you're looking for an adage to apply to good car care, you might remember the old story of how “for want of a nail, the kingdom was lost.”

Mr. Lube
903 NW Second St
Bentonville, Arkansas 72712
479-271-2323
https://www.mrlubebentonville.msprotemp.com/

Need Service?

More articles from Mr. Lube & Wash

Before You Buy that Used Vehicle (Having a Used Car Inspected Before Buying)

March 24, 2024

Let's face it. New vehicles are expensive, so finding a good used one can save drivers a lot of money. It's tempting to look through ads, find a private seller who has what you're looking for and pay a price you think is a great deal. But when you go over to look at a used car, do you really k... More

Drive Train - What You Need to Know in Bentonville

March 17, 2024

One Bentonville automotive service issue that doesn't get much attention is driveline service. Drivelines don't get talked about very much around Bentonville, but they're very important. First let's define what the driveline is:Taking a small step back, the power plant is comprised of the engine ... More

Steer Me Right! (Failing Power Steering Hose)

March 10, 2024

Most drivers love how easy it is to turn their vehicles, and they have power steering to thank. Engineers have figured out a way to take some of your engine's power to help you turn. Without it, steering can be quite a chore. New power systems are electric, but there are still plenty of the old... More