Signs it is time
- A squeal on startup or when you turn the wheel
- Cracks, fraying or shiny glazing on the serpentine belt
- The battery light or power steering acting up when a belt slips
- You are near the timing belt interval in your owner’s manual
- You bought a used car and don’t know if the timing belt was ever done
Serpentine belts and tensioners
The serpentine belt drives the alternator, power steering and AC. When it or the tensioner wears out, you get squealing, and if the belt breaks, the car can lose charging and steering assist. Replacing the belt and tensioner is usually a short driveway job.
Timing belts: do not skip this one
Some engines use a timing belt instead of a timing chain. It has to be replaced at the interval in your owner’s manual. On many engines, if it breaks, the valves hit the pistons and the engine is badly damaged.
How big the job is depends completely on the vehicle. Some take a few hours. Some take a day or two. We will look up yours and give you an honest time and quote before we start. Water pumps are often replaced at the same time when they are driven by the timing belt.
Done in your driveway?
Serpentine belts and tensioners are quick driveway jobs. Many timing belts can be done mobile too.
When it needs a shop
Some timing belt jobs are long enough that a shop is the better place for your car. We will tell you before you book.