A DEAD BATTERY ISN’T ALWAYS CAUSED BECAUSE ITS OLD – POOR RECHARGING CAN LEAVE YOU STUCK.

Did you know your car’s engine has a built-in recharging system? The basic premise is that while the engine is turning parts that make your wheels move, it’s also transferring power into a system that recharges the battery. This system is called the accessory belt drive system, or the serpentine system. Pay attention to your serpentine belt, tensioner and pulleys, or these smaller parts could fail and cause you bigger problems.

BE SYSTEM SMART

A few fun facts about the serpentine system.

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Belts Wear Down Like Tyres

Belts rarely break or even crack, which makes it nearly impossible to see when they have lost their pull.

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The Enemy Is Heat

5% belt wear adds an additional 30 to 50 degrees of heat to the system..

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Don’t Shoot The Messenger

When belts squeal, it’s rarely just the belt that causes it. Slipping and misalignment due to tensioner wear is the predominant cause.

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Idler Pulleys

Smoothly connects the belt to the system. Worn pulleys can misalign and cause system damage.

Alternator Decoupler Pulley

Transfers power from the belt to the alternator, keeping the battery charged. Wear is a common cause of charging problems.

Serpentine Belt

Powers many key components like the alternator and air conditioner compressor. Just 5% wear can negatively affect performance.

Belt Tensioner

Maintains consistent tension on the belt. A loss of tension can create noise and heat, leading to premature belt failure.

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PRO(TECT) TIP

Alternator, A/C Compressor and Power Steering Pump repairs require the technician to remove the belt. Since these are all part of the serpentine system, it’s the perfect time to make the complete repair. You can save labor time because the tech has already removed the belt, so replace it (along with the tensioner and pulleys) at the same time. It not only saves you on labor costs today, but could save you from a future repair.
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GATES SOLUTIONS

Professional technicians have recommended Gates® premium quality parts for over 100 years. You can trust the quality and performance from a global leader in material science.

  • Gates® Micro-V® Kits are the ultimate solution for a full system restoration. They include all the Gates® premium parts needed to ensure maximum safety and long-life, and best value due to bundle pricing.
  • Gates® DriveAlign™ Tensioners have patented labyrinth seals that keep the grime out, and round spring coils to ensure consistent long-lasting tension on the belt.
  • Gates® Micro-V® Belts are engineered to power your progress and enhance vehicle performance.
  • Gates® Idler Pulleys provide OE-quality fit and are built to last with superior resistance to dirt, salt, chemicals, and other under-hood contaminants.


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SERPENTINE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

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