Jeff's Tips

We want to help you avoid expensive, inconvenient repairs. Learn how to keep your vehicle running longer and more efficiently with automotive advice from Jeff’s Tips.

You may not see or know much about them, but engine belts are always working to keep your vehicle moving. Unfortunately, Minnesota’s extreme temperatures can be harsh on these critical components, and intense heat or frigid cold may cause them to break. Losing a belt can mean immediate trouble for the engine and a breakdown for you. To avoid being stranded, the Car Care Council recommends motorists review their owner’s manuals to ensure that the belts are inspected and replaced at the proper intervals.

Belts are essential to the cooling and charging systems of the engine. Serpentine belts are used to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering, and air conditioning compressor. Older cars use V-belts for various accessories.

When we inspect belts, we check for looseness, overall condition, and signs of excessive wear such as fraying or glazing. Noise in the belt system is also a sign of wear, and the smell of burnt rubber can indicate a slipping belt. When changing a belt, it's also important to check all the components in the serpentine system, such as tensioners and pulleys that wear at the same rate as the belt.

Most belts should be replaced every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, but V-belts should be changed every 40,000 to 50,000. If you have a timing belt, we can check the recommended maintenance service table to replace this as well.

Jeff's Auto has been servicing the Hopkins area since 1973! When you bring your vehicle in for regular service at Jeff’s, you can trust we’ll complete a thorough inspection, from under the hood to below the chassis. Unlike other shops that will rush your car in and out, we spend time on your vehicle to avoid all the potential problems that come with its many moving parts!