Cadillac Serpentine Belt Service: Keeping Your Engine Running Smoothly

The serpentine belt under the hood of your Cadillac serves a vital function in transferring power from the engine to various accessories, including the alternator and the cooling system’s water pump. If your belt cracks or slips loose, various essential vehicle components will fail, and your engine could overheat, causing immediate damage. Routine serpentine belt service at your local Cadillac dealership can prevent this risk. Read on to learn more.

Cadillac Serpentine Belt Service: Keeping Your Engine Running Smoothly

What the Serpentine Belt Does

As the engine runs, the crankshaft rotates. The serpentine belt runs between the crankshaft and various pulleys, powering the alternator, air conditioner compressor, power steering pump, and often the water pump. Modern serpentine belts are enormously durable, typically lasting from 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but can occasionally fail prematurely and require periodic checks.  

How a Failing Belt Can Harm Your Engine

When a serpentine belt begins to loosen, slip, or break, the alternator stops recharging the battery. This means you may not be able to start your car in the morning. It also means the engine’s ignition coils will soon be starved of electrical power, which can lead to misfiring and engine failure. 

More urgently, a broken belt means the water pump stops pumping coolant through the engine compartment. This will result in rapid overheating, which can destroy any car’s engine in short order. 

How Often To Service Your Belt

It’s important to inspect your serpentine belt regularly for signs of fraying, cracking, or loosening. Once every three months is ideal, and never leave it more than six months. Our technicians can examine your serpentine belt each time you visit for an oil change.

Signs of a Worn-Out Serpentine Belt 

Aside from visible fraying and damage in the belt, also watch out for signs of engine misfires or overheating. Misfiring causes the car to cough and shudder as it loses power and idles roughly. Overheating would also rob the engine of power while generating loud ticking and knocking sounds. The engine temperature gauge on the dashboard will shoot up and you might see white vapor rising from under the hood.

With a bad belt, the air conditioner will also stop working. And your car may become more difficult to steer without a fully functioning power steering pump.

Have Your Belt Checked Today at Your Cadillac Dealer

As with all important car components, preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding serpentine belt trouble. You can book routine vehicle services with us, including a thorough inspection of all your car’s belts and hoses.

Visit Service Cadillac in Lafayette, LA, today to have your Cadillac purring along like new once more. We offer all of our customers prompt vehicle maintenance and smooth, hassle-free service.

Tags: Cadillac Belt Service, Cadillac Engine
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