Back to all

Tuffy Amherst Maintenance Tips: The Belt Goes On

July 17, 2022

drive All Amherst service advisors know that without the alternator, the battery will go dead in a few miles.

The serpentine belt may also run the pumps for both the power steering and power brakes. And on many vehicles, the serpentine belt powers the water pump. The water pump circulates coolant through the engine to keep it within normal operating temperatures. (On some vehicles, the water pump is powered by the timing belt instead of the serpentine belt.)

So you can see the serpentine belt does a lot of work. And it if breaks, it affects a lot of systems. That's why your vehicle manufacturer and your service advisor at Tuffy Amherst have recommended that it be changed every so often so that it doesn't fail.

Your friendly and knowledgeable Tuffy Amherst service advisor can perform a visual inspection of the belt to see if it has any cracks that signal the belt could fail soon and will measure the amount of belt material to make sure there is enough.

Your serpentine belt works in tandem with a spring loaded pulley attached to the engine called the tensioner pulley. Its job is to make sure there's a constant tension on the serpentine belt so that it doesn't slip. The spring can become worn and no longer provide the necessary pressure to keep the belt tight. At Tuffy Amherst in Amherst, we recommend that the tensioner be replaced at the same time as the serpentine belt.

Tuffy Amherst
101 N Leavitt Road
Amherst, Ohio 44001
440-988-9402
https://www.tuffyamherst.com

More articles from Tuffy Amherst - Auto Repair Center

Tuffy Amherst Advice on What to Pour into Your Vehicle

February 15, 2026

Changes in vehicle design and manufacture have resulted in changed fluid requirements for our vehicles. With the sophistication of engines, transmissions, differentials, etc., it's best for Amherst residents to always use the proper type of fluid for their vehicle. Using incorrect fluids can act... More

Air Conditioning Maintenance at Tuffy Amherst in Amherst

February 8, 2026

Warm weather or cold, Amherst drivers still need to think about their vehicle's air conditioning. Most Amherst people don't service their air conditioning until after it fails. At Tuffy Amherst, we can advise you on your vehicle manufacturers preventive maintenance schedules for air conditioning... More

No Fuel-ing! (Fuel Filter Replacement)

February 1, 2026

Your vehicle has a few filters you might be somewhat familiar with. Theres the oil filter that removes impurities from your engines oil, and a couple of different kinds of air filters that prevent contaminants from getting into the engine and the cabin. But you may not know that your vehicle als... More