How do you know if your car belts are worn?

Answer

Twist it so you can see the underside of the "V" shape on V-type belts, or the ribs on a serpentine-type belt and check for any wear or cracks. Oil-soaked belts can slip and not rotate the component they are driving fast enough. Glazed belts have a shiny appearance; this occurs when a belt is not tight enough and the slipping polishes its surface. Torn or split belts have major damage and must be replaced immediately. If your car is equipped with a cam belt and not a chain, you need to replace the belt at the proper interval as spelled out in your owner's manual. On some engines, called interference engines, failure to replace the belt made lead to it breaking. A broken belt on an interference engine will most likely result in engine damage and costly repairs. The appearance of the belt is no indication of it's condition. Replace according to the owner's manual. It is a good idea to check the condition of coolant hoses at the same time as the drive belts.

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