Cadillac Drive Belt Replacement: Preventing Breakdowns and Maintaining Performance

The drive belt under your Cadillac’s hood transfers power from the engine’s crankshaft to various other important components. If your drive belt starts to slacken, fray, or crack, you could experience all kinds of serious vehicle problems from failing electronics to an overheating engine. Keep an eye out for the warning signs of a malfunctioning drive belt as described below, and don’t hesitate to visit your local Cadillac dealership for a drive belt replacement when the time comes. 

Cadillac Drive Belt Replacement: Preventing Breakdowns and Maintaining Peak Performance

What Accessories Does the Drive Belt Power?

Your drive belt sends power to the alternator, which generates electricity to charge the battery. The drive belt also powers the air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, and water pump: a crucial component of the engine’s cooling system. 

How Long Does a Drive Belt Last?

Drive belts are hardy components that typically last from three to five years. Once you reach the three-year mark (about 30,000 to 40,000 miles for most drivers) start inspecting your drive belt for signs of wear and tear. In most modern vehicles, your drive belt will typically be a serpentine belt, so named for the way it weaves between multiple shafts and pulleys. 

Warning Symptoms of a Malfunctioning Drive Belt

While inspecting your drive belt, look for cracks, fraying threads, or missing ribs; these ribs and the grooves between them are necessary to grip the pulleys. If your drive belt loosens, slackens, or starts to slip off, you’re likely to hear a high-pitched squealing sound of rubber dragging awkwardly over the edges of the pulleys. If you hear squealing, examine and fix your belt at once before it slips off altogether. 

If your drive belt cracks or fails, you’ll immediately notice problems with the components that depend on it. Your AC will stop working, your steering will become heavier as the power steering fails. And most dangerously, your engine could overheat as the cooling system’s pump malfunctions. Less urgently, you’ll also find that your battery isn’t recharging properly without a functioning alternator. This may leave you stranded with a dead battery somewhere, unable to start your car. 

Have Your Cadillac Dealer Inspect Your Drive Belt

One important routine maintenance task is to periodically have a professional check all your vehicle’s belts for signs of wear or damage. This should include your drive belt. If one of our technicians finds a problem with your belt, have it replaced at once. Fortunately, this is a relatively affordable component to purchase, and straightforward to install. 

Visit Service Cadillac in Lafayette, LA, today for a new drive belt. 

Tags: Belt Replacement, Cadillac Belt Replacement, Cadillac repairs
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