Is it necessary to replace the accessory belt?
3 Answers
It must be replaced, but generally it should be done at 80,000-100,000 kilometers. The replacement cycle for accessory belts varies greatly among different vehicle brands, ranging from 3-6 years or 60,000-100,000 kilometers. The specific replacement time should be checked in your vehicle's maintenance manual. Here is some relevant information: Timing belt: A car has two belts, the timing belt and the accessory belt. The replacement cycle for the timing belt is almost the same for all cars, approximately every three years or 60,000 kilometers. When replacing it, the tensioner pulley and idler pulley should also be replaced at the same time. Abnormal wear: If there is no abnormal wear on the timing belt, it is impossible to tell from the outside whether it needs to be replaced. Additionally, the belt is covered by a shield, so it cannot be seen from the outside. Therefore, once the time and mileage are reached, it should be replaced directly without inspection. If the belt breaks, it can damage the engine, bend the valves, and even bend the connecting rods, requiring a major engine overhaul, which is very costly.
Having driven a taxi for over a decade, I'm particularly sensitive to belt issues. A snapped accessory belt is no small matter—it connects to critical components like the alternator and air conditioning. During every maintenance session, I make sure the mechanic thoroughly inspects the belt's condition, replacing it immediately if cracks are spotted. Last time I neglected this, the belt snapped on an elevated highway, causing the alternator to fail and draining the battery. The towing cost alone could've bought ten new belts. I recommend inspections every 60,000 km, with earlier replacements for frequent high-temperature driving. Don't skimp on a few hundred bucks—safety comes first.
As a car owner, I believe it's essential to replace the belt on time—this is not an area to skimp on. I've seen too many cases where belt failure led to power steering loss, making the steering wheel suddenly heavy and creating a dangerous situation. Last time, my belt started making a squeaking noise, and upon inspection, the edges were crumbling. The mechanic said it would surely snap within a few hundred kilometers. Especially when the AC is on, the belt bears a heavier load, so extra attention is needed in summer. I make it a habit to have the mechanic check the belt tension and cracks during routine maintenance. Even during regular checks under the hood, you can feel the belt—if it feels stiff, it's a sign of aging.
