The alternator or serpentine belt is one of the most essential belts in your car. It snakes through numerous components in your engine, and it connects to the crankshaft. When your vehicle moves, the crankshaft turns, and this causes the alternator belt to run. As the belt runs, it spins various pulleys, and as these pulleys spin, they provide energy to the attached devices. If your car belt fails, it can cause severe problems for your vehicle.

1.    AC Doesn’t Work

If you turn on your AC and nothing happens, this can signify that your alternator belt is failing. The alternator belt runs over one of the pulleys that control your car’s AC. The spinning pulley powers the compressor that allows the AC system to work. The pulley itself can jam due to damage or corrosion, which will stop the AC from working.

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2.    Overheating Engine

Your engine is in a humid environment. To prevent your engine from overheating, your car has a cooling system. When the engine temperature rises too high, the thermostat opens and releases coolant. This coolant absorbs the heat from your engine and enters the radiator. In your radiator, air movement through the grille cools the coolant. The coolant flow is constant until your engine temperature returns to its average operating level.

The coolant is pumped through the system by the water pump, and the water pump is connected to one of the pulleys the alternator belt runs over. The water pump will shut down if your alternator belt is loose or snaps. Without coolant, your engine temperature will soar.

3.    Power Steering Issues

Power steering allows you to smoothly and quickly turn your steering wheel. This feature saves you energy and prevents arm strain from long periods behind the wheel, and it’s also crucial for your safety. It’s a great invention, but the alternator belt has to be in good condition for your power steering to work. A damaged alternator belt can prevent your power steering from working, and if the belt breaks while you’re driving, it could cause an accident.

4.    Cracks in the Belt

The alternator belt is made from tough reinforced rubber, and it’s designed to withstand constant movement, friction, and the heat of your engine. Over time, if the alternator belt is not regularly serviced, it can start to wear. The rubber gets old, less supple, and cracks can appear on the surface of the belt. These cracks can quickly spread, and your belt could snap. If you see cracks in the belt, it’s time to think of replacing it before it fails.