Symptoms of a Loose Car Engine Belt?

[StSamantha]

Symptoms of a loose car engine belt: unstable engine operation, weak acceleration, high fuel consumption, black smoke during acceleration, and elevated water temperature. More information about car engine belts is as follows: 1. Car engine belts are generally divided into two types: one is the timing belt of the engine's valve train, and the other is the drive belt for external engine equipment, such as the generator, air conditioning compressor, water pump, power steering pump, etc. 2. When the tension of the timing belt in the engine's valve train is insufficient or the belt is aged and stretched, it will affect the normal opening and closing of the engine's intake and exhaust valves. 3. A loose belt can also cause abnormal noises when accelerating due to the belt hitting the belt housing. In the most severe cases, timing belt skipping or even timing belt breakage may occur, leading to damage to the engine's valves.

[AxelFitz]

Having driven many cars, I must say a loose belt is a real headache. The car often squeals when starting up, with an ear-piercing sound that makes you hesitant to step on the gas. The steering wheel becomes stiff when turning, making it hard to maneuver with one hand—it feels like towing a trailer. Running the AC in summer is even worse: the airflow suddenly weakens, stops cooling completely, and you end up wiping sweat off your forehead. It can also cause the engine temperature to rise, triggering a red warning light on the dashboard—totally alarming. Last time my belt was loose, it even affected charging—the battery light flickered, nearly stranding me on the road. If left unfixed, the belt wears thinner and eventually snaps, leading to terrifying repair costs. My advice? At the first sign of trouble, get it tightened at a shop immediately—don’t delay.

[Pete]

As a daily commuter, I've encountered symptoms of a loose belt multiple times. When starting the car, the engine would emit a screeching sound, as unpleasant as nails on a chalkboard, especially noticeable during cold starts. Turning the steering wheel became much more laborious, feeling like the tires were glued to the ground, requiring extra force to maneuver. The air conditioning suddenly stopped cooling, blowing hot air for ages, making it unbearably stuffy. Once, I forgot to check, and the slipping belt caused the alternator to fail, the battery light came on, and eventually, the car stalled halfway. It also affected the water pump, causing the temperature gauge to quickly rise into the red zone, forcing me to pull over just in time to avoid disaster. Ignoring this issue leads to rapid belt wear and potential breakage, resulting in costly repairs. Regular checks are simple—just pop the hood and inspect the belt for looseness or cracks. Don't slack off.

[VanLilah]

Anyone with repair experience can instantly recognize the symptoms of a loose belt. During startup, there's a sharp screeching noise as the belt slips, creating an irritating sound that penetrates the cabin. The steering wheel becomes heavier, with the steering system responding sluggishly—requiring extra effort to maintain vehicle control. The air conditioning loses cooling efficiency, blowing lukewarm air that lacks punch. The temperature gauge may also rise because the water pump isn't spinning properly, hindering coolant circulation. The charging system malfunctions, causing the battery light to flicker while headlights dim, making nighttime driving hazardous. If left unaddressed, belt slippage accelerates wear and risks snapping, potentially leading to engine overheating or complete breakdown. At the first sign of trouble, get it checked immediately—don't let minor issues escalate.