fan belt replacement

What does a fan belt do?

A fan belt is designed to transfer rotational power from one part of the engine to another. Its job is to turn several pulleys and gears that utilise the energy from the crankshaft and starter to turn and power up different accessories and important functions in your car.

The fan belt is a flexible synthetic rubber band which connects various engine components together. It has a long series of teeth running along the inner surface of the belt which generate traction, allowing it to grip to the shafts it connects and keeping it from slipping off.

A fan belt is one of the essential car parts that should always be kept in good condition and regularly maintained. Its main role is to connect the crankshaft pulley and the alternator to the engine cooling fan.

How often should a fan belt need replacing?

You shouldn't need to replace your fan belt more than every four or five years or every 60,000-100,000 miles, however it’s good practice to inspect them regularly for signs of wear, cracks or shredding.

As well as this it's important to be aware of the symptoms of a failing fan belt, such as a squeaking or whining noise when you start the engine, if you have trouble starting your car or if your steering becomes heavy.

What happens during a fan belt replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the fan belt for signs of wear and cracks.

• They will also inspect the belt's pulleys and tensioner.

• Replace the belt, if necessary.

• Advise if any other related repairs are necessary.

What causes a fan belt to break?

Because fan belts are made of rubber and are in constant use, they do wear out over time. However that being said, because fan belts are more common nowadays, they are designed to last much longer than their predecessors. You shouldn't need to replace your fan belt more than every four or five years or every 60,000-100,000 miles.

Pulley misalignment is a common cause of premature belt failure, as it forces the belt to kink or twist while running, resulting in premature wear.

When should a fan belt be replaced?

You shouldn't need to replace your fan belt more than every four or five years or every 60,000-100,000 miles, however it’s good practice to inspect them regularly for signs of wear, cracks or shredding.

What are the signs of a broken fan belt?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• A squeaking or whining noise whenever the engine is switched on

• If your fan belt is visibly worn, cracked or torn

• If your engine overheats regularly

• Trouble starting your car

• When the steering becomes heavy

What happens during a fan belt replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the fan belt for signs of wear and cracks.

• They will also inspect the belt's pulleys and tensioner.

• Replace the belt, if necessary.

• Advise if any other related repairs are necessary.

What is the average life of a fan belt?

The average lifespan of a fan belt is between 60,000-100,000 miles or every four to five years. As with any car part this varies from vehicle to vehicle and driver to driver.

Can you drive with a broken fan belt?

If your fan belt completely snaps or breaks you probably won’t be able to drive your car as the fan belt is needed to drive many essential components in the engine. However if your fan belt is badly worn you will still be able to drive, however we recommend getting a replacement belt fitted as soon as possible to avoid it snapping unexpectedly.

Do fan belts deteriorate with age?

Because fan belts are made of rubber and are in constant use, they do wear out over time. However that being said, because fan belts are more common nowadays, they are designed to last much longer than their predecessors. You shouldn't need to replace your fan belt more than every four or five years or every 60,000-100,000 miles.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

The condition of service parts such as air and oil filters or drive and timing belts are not checked in the MOT. However it’s good practice to inspect them regularly for signs of wear, cracks or shredding, especially if your car is more than four years old.