Ask Tuffy Lake In The Hills: What Happens When a Serpentine Belt Breaks?

May 12, 2024

The serpentine belt is aptly named since it snakes around under your hood. It may lack its namesake's fangs, but it sure packs a wallop when it breaks.The serpentine belt powers a lot of engine systems. It runs the alternator, which charges the battery; the water pump (on some vehicles), which co... More

Snake in the Engine (Serpentine Belt)

October 30, 2022

There's a belt that snakes through your engine. It's even named for a snake, the serpentine belt. It'll bite you when it breaks, possibly leaving you stranded. So, it's good to know a little about this snake-like belt. In early engines, there were lots of belts. They were used to convert the r... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Lake In The Hills: Serpentine Belt Tensioner

August 22, 2021

The serpentine belt tensioner applies pressure to the serpentine belt, maintaining optimal tension to drive the accessories like the alternator and A/C compressor. At Tuffy Lake In The Hills we know that the service life of the belt tensioner is the same as the belt itself, so they should always ... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Lake In The Hills: Serpentine Belt System Wear

October 28, 2018

The primary job of the serpentine belt for Lake In The Hills drivers is to provide important traction to spin the accessories. As the belt wears it loses some of its grip and the accessories may not spin at optimal speeds. For example, if your alternator doesnt spin fast enough, the battery will ... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Lake In The Hills: Serpentine Belt Overview

January 15, 2017

The technicians at Tuffy Lake In The Hills know your serpentine belt drives important engine accessories like your alternator, air conditioning compressor, and power steering. In some cars it may also power the power brakes or water pump. The serpentine belt is powered by the engine and winds aro... More