The major parts of your engine are generally run by belts. Engine belts could be easy to ignore until something goes wrong. Knowing how to care for engines is incredibly important – so how do you do it?
Article source: Belt Basics– The belts that run your engine by Car Deal Expert
The basics of a belt
Most belts in vehicles are made from rubber or a combination of rubber and plastic. The materials have a tendency to crack and decay before wearing out and snapping. Because belts are run in hot-and-cold conditions, they’re a lot more prone to wearing out. Belts typically run the cooling system, alternator, and accessories in a automobile. In some cars, there are 3 or four separate belts that run each part. Most engines built after the late '80s use a single "serpentine" belt.
Switching out the belts
When a belt starts to squeal or screech, it means that it is stretching out. Every time you check your oil or take your car to the mechanic, you need to have your belts checked. If you see a belt that is cracking or splitting, it is time to replace them all. With some experience, replacing a belt is relatively easy. Find a diagram of the belt's path through the engine and copy it. Loosen the tension of the belt and remove it. Put the new belt in the engine and re-tighten the tension.
Should you dress the belt?
There is a theory that “dressing” a belt — lubricating it with a specialty spray or liquid — can help it last longer. This theory only sort of works many of the time. For a short time, if you dress a belt, it will get quieter. A belt making all kinds of noise is a warning – so before you dress it, you need to check things out. You should only dress a belt for temporary silence when you get your car to the mechanic.
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