Many people have experienced the stress and annoyance of a car that won’t start. When this happens, you may feel frustrated and upset. Once you compose yourself, you will start to determine what the cause is. A possible culprit is the drive belt. This part of the car is a rubber belt that winds around cranks and pulleys under the hood. Its job is to take power from the engine to vital components of the vehicle, including the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioner. A failing drive belt will cause the engine to not work properly, potentially leading to breakdowns or making it impossible to drive your car.
Like any part of your vehicle, the drive belt has a lifespan; it won’t last forever. Eventually, years of use and the effects of wear and tear will catch up, and the belt will wear out. It can even break if you don’t replace it. Although you can drive on a worn-out drive belt for a while, you don’t want to risk this for too long. It’s best to go to a reliable auto shop near Winnsboro, TX, and let a technician inspect it. The right place to take your car is the auto shop at Jay Hodge Chevrolet.
Our experienced team has certified technicians who understand how drive belts operate and when you should replace them. The team will look at your vehicle’s drive belt to see if there is visible damage. We will recommend when it is time to replace it or whether adjustments can be made.
The consequences of driving with a failing drive belt can be severe. Because this part affects the power steering, if the belt is ineffective or breaks, you will have a difficult, if not impossible, time steering. This could put your safety and the safety of others at risk. A worn-out or broken belt can also cause the engine to overheat, potentially leaving you on the side of the road somewhere, unable to drive. Without a properly functioning drive belt, the alternator won’t be able to charge the battery.
Driving with a worn-out drive belt can make you feel nervous. Don’t put off this important maintenance task. Have peace of mind by coming to our shop for reliable drive belt replacement near Winnsboro, TX.
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual should provide guidelines on when to replace the drive belt. This can vary from car to car. The length of time a drive belt can last may also depend on your driving habits. These belts can last as long as 100,000 miles or more. However, some may start to wear out and fail as early as the 40,000-mile mark. Because of these uncertainties, don’t wait until it’s too late to service the timing belt. Inspect it regularly to avoid major problems.
You can also pay attention to the common effects of a worn-out drive belt. Certain clues will tell you that it’s time to come to our service center to inspect and replace the belt. When the belt is coming to the end of its life, you may experience rough idling. There may also be a squealing or chirping sound coming from under the hood. You can also identify visible signs of damage. If the belt is stretched out, or if there are nicks and cuts in the belt, you should replace it right away.
The good news is that our technicians can quickly replace the timing belt on your car. We will let you know whether your vehicle needs a new one or whether the belt has some more miles left in it. If you have concerns about the drive belt or know it needs attention, schedule an appointment with us online. You can also come to our auto service center.
At Jay Hodge Chevrolet, we are always here to help with any maintenance and repair needs your car has. We do quality work and offer excellent customer service. Come to our auto service center near Winnsboro, TX, today so we can repair or replace the drive belt on your vehicle. We’ll get you back on the road right away.