An alternator is a small generator in your car that charges your car’s battery and supplies electricity to some of your car’s electrical components. An alternator belt or serpentine belt is used to operate the alternator and some other components, in a few cases. If the belt is broken, it can lead to malfunctioning your car’s electrical accessories. To avoid that, you will need alternator belt replacement services.
What is an Alternator Belt?
The alternator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy to charge the battery. The alternator stores the excess power generated during off-peak hours to operate various accessories such as lights or radio. It uses the rotational motion of an engine’s crankshaft for this energy conversion. This is done with the help of magnets and coils through a rubber belt, also known as an Alternator belt.
It is a flat-ribbed or v-belt and is commonly known as a serpentine belt. Apart from the alternator, the belt might also be used to operate your car’s water pump, air conditioning compressor, and power steering pump. If the belt is broken, the alternator wouldn’t be able to generate electricity.
When Do You Need an Alternator Belt Replacement Service?
If the alternator belt is broken, frayed or damaged, you will need to replace it. Some of the indications of this problem can be as follows:
- The Battery Warning Light on your Dashboard is on
- The Lights inside the car and the Headlights are flickering
- Restarting the engine becomes tougher
- You hear a flapping sound of the belt when you open the hood
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How is it Done?
You should get your car alternator belts checked whenever you take your car for regular servicing or oil change. During the inspection, if the mechanic finds the alternator belt broken or frayed, you should ask him to replace it. He can replace the belt in the following manner.
- The mechanic loosens the belt tensioner
- The damaged belt is removed and the new belt is installed
- The tensioner is tightened
- The mechanic starts the engine to test the belt operation
Why Do you Need to Replace the Alternator Belt?
If your Alternator belt stops working during driving, your engine might stop and it can lead to the failure of important electrical components inside your car. To avoid such a situation, get your alternator belt checked and replaced at the first sign of unusual wear and tear or breakage.
Wrapping Up
Whether you need alternator belt replacement service or want to get your vehicle inspected by an expert, post a request on Swezo and get quotes within minutes.
