What are the effects of cracks inside a car belt?
2 Answers
There are issues when there are cracks inside a car belt. Once the belt shows such conditions, it should not be used any further. If not replaced for a long time, it may lead to belt breakage, which in turn can cause the engine to stall. The consequences of not replacing it in time and the reasons for regular replacement are as follows: Consequences of not replacing in time: If the timing belt breaks while driving, it can cause the engine to experience valve collision. Repairing an engine with damaged valves can be relatively costly. When fine cracks appear on the surface where the belt contacts the pulley, it needs to be replaced. If the belt breaks, it can cause the generator to stop producing electricity, the power steering pump to fail, and the steering to become unresponsive, which is a very dangerous situation. Reasons for regular replacement: Some car engines still use timing belts. Belts are rubber products, and it is normal for rubber products to age over time with prolonged use. Therefore, belts need to be replaced regularly.
A few days ago, my neighbor Old Wang's pickup truck broke down because of this issue. The belt is like the tire's carcass layer—cracks inside indicate severe rubber aging. Cracks reduce the belt's strength, especially during cold starts in winter, making it prone to snapping. If it's the alternator belt that breaks, at worst, the battery will drain and the car will stall. But if it's the timing belt that cracks, it's even scarier: the engine stopping outright is the best-case scenario. In some car models, the valves and pistons can collide, leading to repairs costing half the car's value. I once saw a case at the repair shop where the owner kept driving with a cracked belt, and the fragments got tangled in the water pump shaft, ruining the entire cooling system. So, if you see spiderweb-like fine cracks on the side of the belt, regardless of mileage, it's best to replace it immediately.