Land Rovers are 4×4 icons suited to off-road fun, military use, utility purposes, and more recently, a practical solution to the regimens of suburban family life. Because they were designed with action in mind, Land Rovers are incredible long lasting and can be passed down from parent to child. In this lengthy lifespan, there may be times when your Rover needs some TLC. With ongoing maintenance, some of the more severe issues can be completely avoided, but sometimes parts simply reach the end of their usefulness. With this in mind, let’s look at a common issue found in seasoned Land Rovers: When to replace the serpentine belt.
What is a serpentine belt?
The serpentine belt is a long flat rubber belt that is found under the hood of your Land Rover. It is also known as the drive belt and/or fan belt. It has many grooves on its surface and is powered by the engine’s crankshaft. Older vehicles needed multiple belts to power primary systems as well as accessories. Modern cars will use only one to power both the engine and the accessories.
When the serpentine belt rotates, the alternator, A/C, power steering pump, water pump, and air pump all receive power. However, when the belt becomes worn out, it isn’t able to function correctly, meaning one or more of these systems will not receive power. When the belt is on its last legs, it needs to be addressed swiftly, as a sudden break or snap can cause severe or catastrophic engine damage.
Signs your Serpentine Belt Needs Replacing
Signs that your serpentine belt is reaching the end of its life and needs replacement include:
1. Battery Warning Light
When the battery isn’t charging correctly, the battery warning light will illuminate. When the serpentine belt is to blame, this issue is caused by the belt not turning correctly, meaning the alternator isn’t driven properly.
2. Squealing
If your belt becomes loose or misaligned, you’ll be hard-pressed not to notice the intense squealing or screeching sounds which are produced because the belt is under strain.
3. Overheating
When the serpentine belt fails entirely, it can cause your engine to fail. This is because it powers your engine’s water pump, which is an essential part of the cooling system. You can preempt this issue by paying attention to high engine temperatures or temperature spikes.
Interpreting Wear Patterns
You can often see problems with your serpentine belt just by looking at it. Learning how to interpret different wear patterns is essential knowledge for Land Rover drivers. We’ve created a handy guide below to help you assess your problem.
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Dell’s Service Center
If you live in Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sturgeon Bay, WI, and are looking for repairs you can trust, then look no further than Dell’s Service Center for all your motoring needs. We will inspect, diagnose, and repair your serpentine belt quickly and affordably. Call us today for an appointment.