Timing and Serpentine belts

​The timing and serpentine belts are the two belts of concern when dealing with vehicle maintenance. The serpentine belt transmits power from the engine to various accessory components, from the power steering pump and alternator to the air conditioning and water pump. The timing belt performs a vital role in ensuring all the engine components are working together. It connects the crankshaft to the camshaft to synchronize all of the movements and prevent collisions in the engine.

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Signs of a bad belt

In older vehicles, it's easy to see the cracks and overall wear of the belts to assess their health. Newer belts, however, are made with more durable materials that generally will not crack. Common signs of a bad belt:

• squeaking from under the hood
• loss of A/C
• loss of power steering
• engine overheating
• loss of power

Technicians also have tools to check the wear on the belts, similar to how you check the tread depth on a tire. Generally, the belts should last anywhere from 60,000 up to 100,000 miles depending on the manufacturer. Check your vehicle's manual for specific intervals. If you experience any of the problems above, you should bring your vehicle in for a check-up immediately. JAMHS Auto will check for potential problems at every service to make sure you aren't blindsided by any issues that arise.