What is the fan belt and its significance for cars?
It is undeniable that the automobile industry has gone a long way since the automobile was first introduced into the market. About a century ago, cars were equipped with leather engine belts, which were easily worn or broken under high temperatures. Eventually, these belts were replaced by two rubber belts, the alternator belt and the fan belt. In this article, we will discuss the important role of the fan belt in maintaining the best performance of the engine.
What is a fan belt?
Fan belt is one of the important auto parts that need regular maintenance. It is a flexible rubber belt that connects some engine parts together. It connects the crankshaft pulley and alternator to the engine cooling fan.
Belt is also necessary in other power components, including air conditioning compressor, water pump and power steering pump.
Is my fan belt healthy or damaged?
If you don't spend a lot of time repairing under the hood of your car, you may not know what a healthy seat belt looks like. Whether your vehicle uses the old V-belt in the dual belt system or the modern multi-purpose belt, you will know that most belts are black. These belts can have grooved edges or smooth surfaces.
If the grooved rubber and smooth rubber have no cracks, you know that your belt is in good condition. The cracks show that you are old and dry. Eventually, your broken belt will break and trap you on the road.
In addition, the edge of your seat belt should not be worn. This indicates that the belt is not correctly tracked on the pulley. Worn belts can break at any time. Finally, you should check whether there are any missing grooves and make sure that their spacing and size are consistent. If you find any of these problems, you should take the vehicle to the service center to replace the seat belt.
Maintenance of engine belt
The design performance of modern V-belt can reach 100000 km. Depending on your weather conditions, some belts can be used even longer. If you drive in a dry and hot climate, remember to park your car in a cool place. Park the vehicle in the garage or under the tree to avoid direct sunlight. When performing maintenance procedures, make sure to avoid splashing any coolant or oil on the belt to avoid damage and slipping.
Also, remember to remove debris from the pulley. As we mentioned, the service life of the fan belt depends on your climate. It is also recommended to avoid overheating the engine to keep the belt in good condition. Your best way is to check the seat belt at least once a month and pay attention to whether there is any sign of wear or damage. Remember that belts are essential to keep the engine running. Therefore, it is essential to keep them in good condition. If there is any damage, please consult professional technicians and ask them if they need to replace the belt.
