How many kilometers should a car engine belt be replaced?
2 Answers
Car engine belts should be replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers. The alternator belt is the main belt in a car, connecting components such as the alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, and crankshaft pulley. The power source for the alternator belt is the crankshaft pulley, with power provided by the rotation of the crankshaft. The alternator belt needs to be replaced under the following conditions: 1. When the belt core breaks or the groove surface cracks, it should be replaced immediately; 2. When the belt's cover layer separates from the cord or the cord frays, replacement is needed; 3. When the belt is placed on the pulley and there is no gap between the belt's inner diameter and the pulley groove bottom, replacement is required.
After driving for so many years, I believe the replacement cycle for engine belts shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all approach. Generally, it's recommended to inspect and replace them between 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers for family cars, but always refer to your vehicle's manual. My old Toyota had its first belt replacement at 120,000 kilometers, while my friend's German car needed a new belt at just 60,000 kilometers. I make it a habit to pop the hood after parking to check for cracks on the belt surface – any fine lines or frayed edges should raise immediate concern. Especially during cold winter starts in northern regions, if you hear squeaking sounds, it's definitely time to visit the repair shop. When replacing the belt, it's wise to change the tensioner and idler pulleys simultaneously to avoid repeated disassembly. Remember, the consequences of belt aging and snapping could lead directly to major engine repairs – this isn't money you should try to save.
