Remember the last time you were at the auto repair shop getting your car serviced? Your mechanic may have said, "By the way, we checked the serpentine belt and it's in good shape." Maybe you nodded and replied confidently, "Excellent, we all know how important that is!" But maybe you didn't really know what it is and why it matters? Here's a little bit of information to broaden your knowledge base.
The serpentine belt is, well, a long belt that drives multiple accessories in the engine of your car. It drives the power steering pump, the alternator, water pump, super charger, and most importantly here in Florida, the air conditioning compressor. If it's working the way it's supposed to, all those components will work properly at the same time. However, if it stops working, best case scenario you'll have a dead battery. Worst case, you could have serious engine damage. So how do you know if it needs to be replaced? First, pop the hood of your car and look at the engine. You should see the belt snaking through at multiple points on the engine. If you see abrasions, tears or bumps, it might be wise to replace it.
If you're not sure how to check the serpentine belt, don't be afraid to ask your mechanic to show you. If you don't have a mechanic, contact the friendly auto professionals at Clarke Automotive Systems. We proudly service Del Rio, Brandon and Riverview in Florida, as well as surrounding areas.