ABC Auto Works Maintenance Tips: The Belt Goes On
August 16, 2017
All Walled Lake service advisors know that without the alternator, the battery will go dead in a few miles.
The serpentine belt may also run the pumps for both the power steering and power brakes. And on many vehicles, the serpentine belt powers the water pump. The water pump circulates coolant through the engine to keep it within normal operating temperatures. (On some vehicles, the water pump is powered by the timing belt instead of the serpentine belt.)
So you can see the serpentine belt does a lot of work. And it if breaks, it affects a lot of systems. That's why your vehicle manufacturer and your service advisor at ABC Auto Works have recommended that it be changed every so often so that it doesn't fail.
Your friendly and knowledgeable ABC Auto Works service advisor can perform a visual inspection of the belt to see if it has any cracks that signal the belt could fail soon and will measure the amount of belt material to make sure there is enough.
Your serpentine belt works in tandem with a spring loaded pulley attached to the engine called the tensioner pulley. Its job is to make sure there's a constant tension on the serpentine belt so that it doesn't slip. The spring can become worn and no longer provide the necessary pressure to keep the belt tight. At ABC Auto Works in Walled Lake, we recommend that the tensioner be replaced at the same time as the serpentine belt.
ABC Auto Works
127 E. Walled Lake Drive
Walled Lake, Michigan 48390
800-742-4511
Need Service?
More articles from ABC Auto Repair & Tire Center

Mileage Headed Downhill? (What Causes Bad Fuel Economy?)
April 15, 2026
Name someone you know who enjoys spending a lot of money on gasoline. Yeah, me neither. Thats because it costs quite a bit to keep fueling your vehicle. One way to save money on gas is to get good fuel economy, and most of todays vehicles are designed to maximize your mileage. But you might f... More

Power Steering Pump Replacement
April 14, 2026
When youre driving and you hear a squeal or groan when you turn, it may be a sign your power steering pump is on its last legs. The same is true if you feel your steering is slipping or doesnt respond to your hands like it used to. Precise, responsive steering is, of course, important when it ... More

Don?t Skip Out on These! (Vehicle Maintenance Items You Should Never Postpone)
March 29, 2026
Maybe that little sticker on your windshield is giving you the reminder that its time for your vehicle to have an oil change. Youve thought, Aw, I can skip this one and save myself a little money. When it comes to things you should never ignore on your vehicle, timely oil changes are number one... More
