alternator belt replacement

What does an alternator belt do?

An alternator belt is known by many names including the drive belt, v-belt or a serpentine belt.

Alternators are responsible for sustaining the charge of the battery so that it can power the electrical components of the vehicle. Without this key piece of equipment, the battery would die after only a short amount of driving. When an alternator is actively charging the battery, it must be constantly spinning. This spinning is made possible by the alternator belt which runs from the pulley on the alternator to the crankshaft.

The alternator belt does a very specific job and without it, the alternator cannot provide the constant charge the battery needs when the car is running. The alternator belt also drives the range of ancillary components used by the vehicle, which can include the car's power steering, air conditioning compressor, water pump and in some cases, the cooling fan. In most cars, if the water pump and oil pump are left to fail or malfunction, it can lead to severe or fatal engine damage.

Made of rubber, the belt is prone to deterioration over time, and due to its position next to the engine, excessive heat and general wear will lead to a brittle drive belt that is prone to cracking. It’s an essential part of the healthy running of your engine, so it’s imperative it’s in good condition.

How often does an alternator belt need replacing?

The average lifespan of an alternator belt is around 3-4 years, but can vary depending on how much you use your car. Heat from the engine can also make the alternator belt deteriorate more quickly, causing it to crack and tear. As the belt is constantly spinning, it can also become loose and won’t function properly.

What happens during an alternator belt replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Visually inspect the alternator belt for signs of wear, tears and cracks.

• Check the alternator belt's pulleys and tensioner.

• Replace the belt, if necessary.

• Check related parts and advise if any other repairs are needed.

What causes an alternator belt to break?

Alternator belts are made of rubber, therefore the belt is prone to deterioration over time. Additionally, due to its position next to the engine, excessive heat and general wear will lead to a brittle drive belt that is prone to cracking and splitting. It plays an essential role in the healthy running of your car, so it’s imperative it’s in good condition.

When should an alternator belt be replaced?

Typically the lifespan of an alternator belt is around 3–4 years. It should be inspected during your annual vehicle service or whenever you have an oil change.

What are the symptoms of a broken alternator belt?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• A squeaking sound from under the bonnet when you start your engine, or a high-pitched squeak while the engine is running.

• If your car stalls regularly, or the engine refuses to turn over, it could be down to a slipping or broken alternator belt.

• If you feel your car’s steering is heavier than normal, this could be due to a lack of power transferred to the power-steering system, and could also be down to the improper performance of your alternator belt.

• If any of your vehicle’s accessories stop working or the headlights and interior lights flicker or operate much dimmer than usual.

How to replace an alternator belt on your car?

To carry out an alternator belt replacement you must:

• Open the bonnet and visually inspect the alternator belt for signs of wear, tears and cracks.

• Check any parts connected to the alternator belt, such as pulleys and the belt tensioner.

• Replace the belt, if necessary.

• Check related parts and components to see if any other repairs are needed.

Can you drive with a bad alternator belt?

You should stop driving your car if you think there may be a problem with your alternator belt. Your alternator belt might not look like one of the most important components of your engine’s operation, but the role of every car’s drive belt is paramount to the healthy performance of your car’s engine.

What happens if you don't change a broken alternator belt?

Failure to spot when your alternator belt needs replacing or when it’s not quite performing up to scratch can ultimately lead to a seized engine brought on by a failed water pump or another integral part of the system. Therefore in order to save money in the long-run you should have your alternator belt replaced as soon as you think it may be failing.

Do alternator belts deteriorate with age?

Yes, because the belt is made from rubber it does wear out over time. The average lifespan of an alternator belt is around 3-4 years, but can vary depending on how much you use your car. Heat from the engine can also make the alternator belt deteriorate more quickly, causing it to crack and tear. As the belt is constantly spinning, it can also become loose and won’t function properly.