Back to all

Serpentine Belt Service at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield in Plainfield

December 24, 2018



Don't you hate it when you hear that squeal from under the hood when you're zipping down a busy Plainfield road? It usually means there is a problem with the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt powers a lot of engine accessories. It runs the alternator - which charges the battery; the water pump - which cools the engine; the air conditioning and the power steering pump. All are pretty important parts. It is called a serpentine belt because it snakes around a bunch of engine components.

Serpentine belts are amazingly tough. They can last for years and go long distances. Like all moving parts, however, they eventually wear out. If your belt breaks while you are driving around Plainfield, everything will come to a halt within minutes. You need to stop the vehicle immediately or it will overheat, potentially causing engine damage. You can be sure that it won't happen at a convenient time or place. (As if there was a convenient time or place!) You might even need to get your vehicle towed to Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield. It's no wonder that vehicle manufacturer's recommend a belt replacement on schedule. It's one of those "have-to's."

Plainfield drivers who hear a squeal when accelerating, or a slow, slapping sound at idle, should have their serpentine belt looked at. The pros at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield in Plainfield will visually inspect your belt to see if it needs to be changed sooner than scheduled. If the belt has more than three or four cracks every inch or couple of centimeters, has deep cracks that penetrate half the depth of the belt, is frayed, is missing pieces or has a shiny, glazed look, it needs to be replaced regardless of age or mileage.

Serpentine belt replacement is relatively inexpensive, especially compared with the cost and inconvenience of being stranded or getting a disabled vehicle back to Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield for repairs.

You're mom was right: an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield
23846 W 135th St
Plainfield, Illinois 60544
815-436-1337

More articles from Tuffy Plainfield

Oil Times are a-Changin' (Oil Change Synthetic)

April 21, 2024

When it comes to oil changes, things are really changing. Most newer vehicles require synthetic oil, and while it costs more than conventional oil, it doesn't need to be changed as often. When conventional oil was the only game in town, you changed your oil every 3,000 miles/5,000 km. But as tec... More

Positive Crankcase Ventilation ? PCV Valve Service at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield

April 14, 2024

Hello Plainfield! Did you know that the first federally-mandated emissions control device was introduced in the 1960's? The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, or PCV valve, has been installed in Illinois vehicles since 1964 and represents the first legislation by the United States government t... More

Emergency Items for Plainfield

April 7, 2024

Safe Illinois travel starts with preventive maintenance and good vehicle care at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield. But there are other things Plainfield residents can do to prepare for emergencies on the road. Here's some auto advice that can help you plan for emergencies, and just may save ... More