The car fan belt is an essential part of a car engine and requires regular maintenance and checks. The fan belt helps to keep a couple of engine parts rotating. Using pulleys it connects and ensures the proper functioning of engine parts such as the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning compressor, air pump, etc.
That already spells how important the component can be. Typically, it is an unbroken circular belt that is worn over various pulley within the engine system.
Note the fan belt is also called the serpentine belt.
Symptoms of Faulty Car Fan Belt
It is very important to note the symptoms of a faulty car fan belt. Because it could happen while you are driving and lead to shut down of important engine functions.
Squealing noise from the front of the vehicle
This is perhaps the most obvious symptom of a broken car fan belt. It comes as a squealing noise from the engine compartment. Most of the time it could be the belt.
This could be due to the misalignment, water entering the engine, or slack of the belt.
Power steering and AC not working
The car fan belt can cause your whole car to break down. But noticeable symptoms comes from the loss of power steering, the air conditioning will not work. The engine temperature will spike consequently above a driveable limit and cooling will become impossible. If the power steering fails it might result in a serious accident as the steering becomes stiffer.
Engine overheating
As the car fan belt controls the engine cooling system failure on its part will result in engine overheating. This might result in having steamy smoke emerging out of the engine compartment. When you notice this, stop the car. If it is the fan belt, fix a new one immediately ( You can do it yourself) or tow off to a mechanic.
Cracks and wear on the belt
An important routine check on the car fan belt is necessary. One of the symptoms that there is an imminent belt failure is having cracks on the belt. Physical damage is a clear symptom of a faulty belt. When you notice physical dents on it then it is time to replace it.
Top Fan Belt To Buy
Below are some of the known products that you can buy on Amazon or your local part shops.
- Gates K060841 Serpentine Belt/ Fan Belt
- Gates K081223HD Multi V-Groove Belt
- ACDelco 6K930 Professional V-Ribbed Serpentine Belt
- Gates K081264HD Serpentine Belt/ car Fan Belt
- Bando USA 6PK2135 Belts
- Continental OE Technology Series 4060882 6-Rib, 88.2″ Multi-V Belt
- Continental 4060855 OE Technology Series Multi-V Belt
When you hear squealing noises, loss of power steering, the engine overheating, or have dents on the belts then it is time to replace the belt.
