Can a Car Belt with Cracks Still Be Used?
2 Answers
Car belts with cracks should no longer be used, as the presence of cracks indicates that the belt is about to break, which could lead to more significant issues. The Importance of Car Belts: The engine belt is the most critical belt in a car, connecting the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, and crankshaft pulley. Once small cracks appear on the belt, it needs to be replaced. If the belt breaks, it can cause the alternator to stop generating electricity, the power steering pump to fail, and make steering difficult, which is a very dangerous situation. Inspection and Replacement of Car Belts: During every maintenance service, the belt tension and wear should be checked. Even if everything appears normal, the belt should generally be proactively replaced at around 80,000 kilometers.
After driving for so many years, I've seen cases where belts were still being used despite having cracks, but that's really dangerous. The car belt is like the heart's lifeline of the engine—it connects crucial components such as the alternator and water pump, ensuring the vehicle runs smoothly. Cracks indicate severe wear, making it prone to snapping. If it breaks, the car could stall in the middle of the road, potentially causing the engine to overheat and sustain costly damage, not to mention the significant safety risks. I recommend taking it to a repair shop for inspection immediately—don’t try to save money or delay. Safety is priceless. During regular maintenance, always check the belt’s condition—addressing small cracks early can save a lot of trouble.