Snake in the Engine (Serpentine Belt)

May 5, 2024

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 Commerce Auto Repair: Serpentine Belt Tensioner

January 3, 2017

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 Commerce Auto Repair we know that the service life of the belt tensioner is the same as the belt itself, so they should always be ... More

Automotive Tips from Commerce Auto Repair: Serpentine Belt System Wear

August 28, 2016

The primary job of the serpentine belt for Commerce 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 not compl... More

Automotive Tips from Commerce Auto Repair: Serpentine Belt Overview

February 29, 2016

The technicians at Commerce Auto Repair 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 around... More

Commerce Auto Repair Auto Maintenance Videos: Serpentine Belt System Wear

January 28, 2016

The primary job of the serpentine belt is to provide essential traction to spin the accessories. As the belt wears it loses some of its grip and the accessories may not spin at best speeds. For example, if your alternator doesnt spin fast enough, the battery will not completely rec... More

The Commerce Auto Repair Guide for Commerce Drivers: Serpentine Belt Overview

November 11, 2015

Your serpentine belt drives important engine accessories like your alternator, air conditioning compressor, and power steering. In some autos it may also power the power brakes or water pump. The serpentine belt is powered by the engine and winds around pulleys and the accessories. ... More