Aside from the engine itself, there are various accessories that run off it, such as the generator and air conditioning compressor. These are usually driven by V-belts, multi-V-belts, or serpentine belts, though some are driven via an electric motor. Most modern vehicles use electric cooling fans for the radiator, but most older vehicles have a belt-driven fan and usually a belt-driven water pump, often on the same pulley.

Fan belts should only refer to the belts that drive the fan, just like “alternator belts” and “power steering belts” should only refer to the belts that drive the alternator and power steering pump. But, fan belts are often understood to refer to any one of them.

Via a series of pulleys, fan belts enable to engine to do more, such as running accessories to provide electricity, air conditioning, power steering, and engine cooling. Depending on the engine and accessory design, fan belts could be absolutely critical to engine function and longevity. In such cases, a broken fan belt could lead to engine overheating and possible engine damage or a dead battery and dead engine. Other fan belt failures might result in difficult steering or inoperative air conditioning, for example.

Fan belts can fail in several ways, slipping, squeaking, squealing, or chirping. Loose fan belts might slip, but adjusting the tension should fix this issue. Old fan belts might deteriorate and simply fall apart under the stress. Dirty fan belts, perhaps contaminated by an oil or coolant leak, could slip no matter how tight they are. Cleaning may help, but replacement and repair of the offending leak is usually the best solution.

How Can In ’N Out Car Services Help?

It is recommended to have belts and hoses examined every 3,000 miles or with every oil change. A belt and hose pipe evaluation checks for:

• Glazing, cracking, peeling, and softening of belts

• Proper tensioning

• Appropriate drive pulley alignment

• Punctures and cracks

• Hardening, cracking, and softening of hose pipes

• Loosened or worn clamps

• Issues with cooling system pressure