Guideline on Buying Tires Monthly Car Maintenance Can Help Keep Auto Repairs | Page 14

CHECK SERPENTINE AND TIMING BELTS
Serpentine and timing belts can spell disaster if they broke down in the middle of the
road. The timing belt is responsible for controlling the rotation of the crankshaft and the
camshaft. It also directs the opening and closing the valves located in the engine to allow
a free flow of air in and out of the car. Basically, it coordinates most of the engine’s
functions. Proper functioning of the timing belts dictates that the valves must open and
close at the appropriate time. They have to also be in the right position to do this. If there
is any breakage in the belt, it will cause the valves to have different opening times for
each cylinder eventually causing deadly damage.
A serpentine belt, on the other hand, is a single, continuous belt that powers key
components including power steering, alternator, air conditioning, and water pump. With
the introduction of the rubber technology, serpentine belts now last longer (between
50,000 and 100,000 miles). Continuous exposure to friction and heat causes the
serpentine belt to wear out. When this happens, replacement should be done.