Going again solely a few a long time, it was nonetheless frequent to see indicators at garages and fuel station promoting substitute fan belts. Fan belts—or simply belts—had been instrumental to a car’s efficiency, as they linked necessary engine-powered equipment to the motor.
Why Don’t We Substitute Fan Belts Anymore?
One belt usually drove the engine cooling fan straight, whereas others dealt with the alternator, energy steering pump, water pump, and air-conditioning compressor. These belts required periodic guide stress changes, and wore out incessantly, so individuals changed them usually—typically each 20,000–30,000 miles. Fashionable vehicles (usually from the Eighties onward) have required less-frequent belt upkeep for quite a few causes. Listed here are just a few:
Electrical cooling followers
Most autos now use electrical followers managed by the engine pc. These activate solely when wanted (e.g., in site visitors or sizzling climate), enhancing gas effectivity and decreasing engine drag in comparison with always-on belt-driven followers. No devoted fan belt is required anymore.
Serpentine belts
A single, wider, ribbed belt (referred to as serpentine as a result of it snakes round a number of pulleys) changed the previous a number of V-belts. Serpentine belts drive most equipment and are adjusted with computerized tensioners—no guide changes wanted. These belts are extra sturdy than old-school fan belts.
Longer lifespan
Fashionable serpentine belts usually final 60,000–100,000 miles earlier than needing substitute, and will final the lifetime of the car. That stated, we suggest sticking to a car’s upkeep schedule and changing the serpentine belt as prescribed by the producer. Fashionable belts usually present clear put on indicators similar to cracks, glazing, squealing, properly prematurely of failure.
At present
We nonetheless substitute belts at this time, however far much less incessantly than we did old-school belts. If one fails now, it impacts every thing without delay–no charging, no energy steering, no air con–so preventive substitute is beneficial throughout routine service.
Take heed to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
Fan Belt Footage
