While you’re driving, the engine doesn’t only power the wheels. It also uses the drive belt to transmit mechanical power to several important components. If your drive belt, which is also known as the car belt, becomes damaged in any way, you’ll soon notice the following problems. You can easily have a drive belt repaired or replaced at your local Ford dealer.
Whining or Squealing Sounds
The drive belt connects the engine’s crankshaft to several pulleys throughout the engine compartment. These sturdy rubber belts can sometimes loosen or start to slide loose when their grooves wear down. Sometimes a misaligned pulley can also cause the belt to slip out of place.
When a drive belt loosens or becomes dislodged, you might hear a very slight whining or squealing sound as the rubber runs against the edges of the pulleys. This sound is likely to grow steadily louder as the problem worsens.
Malfunctioning Air Conditioner
The drive belt powers one car component that’s especially important during the warm summer months: the compressor in your cabin’s air conditioner. So if the drive belt malfunctions, you may find the air-con vents refusing to blow cool air.
Overheating Engine
A potentially serious result of a failing drive belt is your engine overheating. This is because the belt powers the water pump that propels coolant around the cooling system, so if you see the temperature gauge on your dashboard rising, pull over to check the condition of your drive belt. Just be careful when raising the hood; an overheating engine can make the hood hot to the touch.
Engine Refusing To Start in the Morning
The alternator is the component that generates electricity, keeping your car’s battery full of voltage. As the alternator also depends on the drive belt, a faulty belt may result in your battery failing to recharge. You may find your engine refusing the start the next morning.
Suddenly Heavier Steering
Modern cars use advanced power steering to give the driver a great deal of help in steering. This component is also powered by the drive belt, so if you find it more difficult to turn your steering wheel one day, your drive belt might be to blame.
Ford Dealer Recommends a New Belt
During regular preventative maintenance checkups at your local dealership, the technician will inspect various components of your vehicle, including the drive belt. If they find evidence of fraying, cracking, or worn-out grooves on your belt, they can draw your attention to it and replace the belt with a new one. This may save you from running into all the aforementioned problems while out on the road.
Have your drive belt inspected or replaced today by experienced technicians at Chestatee Ford. We’re a local full-service dealership with strong family values and a focus on delivering consistently excellent customer service, whatever your car-related needs might be.
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