­­­Does Your Subaru Have a Damaged Engine Belt?

While your car’s engine is running, it doesn’t only send power to the wheels. The engine also delivers power to many other important vehicle components via the car belt, which is also known as the drive belt. The following warning signs will let you know if your drive belt is slipping loose or damaged. You can have a faulty drive belt promptly repaired or replaced at your local Los Angeles Subaru dealership.

 

Overheating Engine

One vital function that the drive belt performs is keeping the engine’s cooling system working properly. The drive belt directly powers the water pump, which pushes coolant around the cooling system. 

So if your drive belt ever starts to fail, you may see the engine temperature gauge on your instrument panel begin to tick upwards. Never delay in resolving the cause of an overheating engine; overheating can rapidly lead to expensive or even irreparable damage. 

Electrical Problems

The drive belt also powers the alternator, which converts the engine’s mechanical energy into electrical power to recharge the battery. Because of this, a bad drive belt might prevent your car’s battery from recharging. This might result in your car failing to start one morning, along with a range of other electrical problems.

Faulty Air Conditioner

Your car’s air conditioning compressor also depends on the drive belt to keep running smoothly. So if you find your cabin getting a little too hot, your drive belt might be to blame. 

Power Steering Malfunction

Many drivers don’t realize how much easier power steering makes it to steer their car. If your drive belt ever comes loose or breaks, you’ll soon find it far harder to steer, especially when moving at lower speeds.

Squealing Sounds 

Drive belts are connected to the engine’s crankshaft and various other pulleys throughout the engine compartment. If your drive belt loosens or starts to slip, you may hear a squealing sound as the rubber rubs awkwardly against the edge of a pulley. 

Visible Wear and Tear

You can open the hood and take a look at your drive belt any time to check its condition. If your drive belt looks in any way frayed, cracked, glazed, or misshapen by heat, it’s probably time to have it replaced. 

Ask Your Subaru Dealer To Inspect Your Drive Belt

As with all things related to your car and road safety, nothing beats having a professional check for problems. You can ask a trusted technician at your local dealership to look over your drive belt and make sure that all is well. If they find any faults, they can explain the problem and replace your old drive belt in no time. Have your damaged car belt inspected or replaced today by the qualified technicians here at Puente Hills Subaru. 

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