15145 NE 90th Street RedmondLuke's Car Tips & Auto Maintenance Advice
Luke's posts regular blogs to offer you great information and advice about your car maintenance. Check back often for new posts. Search for a specific topic!
Luke ShaffGreat question! At Luke’s Automotive, we hear this one a lot—and it makes sense. If your serpentine belt looks fine, why would it need to be replaced? Let’s break it down.
Old Belts vs. New Belts: Big Difference
Years ago, serpentine belts were made from neoprene. When they wore out, they cracked—and those cracks were easy to spot. But today’s belts are made from a more durable synthetic rubber called EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer, if you're curious). These newer belts don’t show obvious signs of wear like cracks or glazing.
So what happens instead? They wear down gradually, and it’s mostly invisible to the naked eye. You won’t see big cracks—but performance will quietly decline.
What Does a Serpentine Belt Actually Do?
Think of the serpentine belt as the “power distributor” for your engine. It drives key components like:
If the belt slips or loses grip, those parts can’t run properly—and that can lead to big trouble fast.
How Belts Wear Out Without Cracking
Modern belts have tiny grooves that match up with grooves on the pulleys they spin. Over time, these grooves wear down—kind of like a tire tread wearing smooth. Once about 5% of the belt material is gone, it can start slipping. That means:
Even a belt that looks “fine” on the outside could be well past its prime on the inside.
How We Check Belt Health at Luke’s
We use a special gauge to measure groove depth and material loss. It’s a quick and accurate way to know whether your serpentine belt is still in good shape—or ready for replacement.
And here’s a pro tip:
If it’s time to replace the belt, you should also replace the belt tensioner and any idler pulleys. These parts wear out right along with the belt. Skipping them could lead to noisy operation, poor performance, or worse—belt failure that damages your engine accessories.
Let’s Keep Your Vehicle Running Right
At Luke’s Automotive in Redmond, we can check your serpentine belt system and give you a clear answer—no guesswork. If it's still good, great! If it needs replacing, we’ll get it handled before it becomes a bigger problem.
Stop by or give us a call—we’ll help you make the smart call for your car.
Your car relies on various fluids to operate smoothly and efficiently. From lubricating vital components to facilitating essential functions, these fluids play a crucial role in maintaining your vehicle's performance and longevity. In this blog post, we will explore the key fluids used in a car and their significance in keeping your vehicle in top shape.
Brake Fluid: is a hydraulic fluid that enables your car's braking system to function effectively. It transfers the force from your foot on the brake pedal to the brake components, allowing your vehicle to slow down and stop safely. Brake fluid operates under high temperatures and pressures, making it essential to check and maintain its quality.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF): is designed specifically for vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. It serves multiple functions, including lubricating transmission gears, transmitting power, and cooling the transmission. Regularly checking ATF levels and ensuring it remains clean and at the appropriate level is crucial for smooth gear shifting and optimal transmission performance.
Motor Oil: is often referred to as the lifeblood of an engine. Its primary function is to lubricate the engine's moving parts, reducing friction and preventing excessive wear. It also helps to cool the engine and carry away contaminants. Regular oil changes, along with monitoring oil levels, are vital for preserving engine performance and extending its lifespan.
Power Steering Fluid: is essential for vehicles equipped with power steering systems. It assists in turning the steering wheel smoothly, reducing the effort required by the driver. Power steering fluid ensures proper functioning of the power steering pump, rack, and other components. Regularly checking the power steering fluid level and maintaining its cleanliness and quality is important to avoid steering-related issues.
Windshield Washer Fluid: While not directly related to the car's mechanical performance, windshield washer fluid plays a crucial role in ensuring clear visibility while driving. It helps to clean the windshield and remove dirt, grime, and other debris. Regularly checking the washer fluid level and replenishing it when needed will ensure you have a clear view of the road at all times.
Radiator Fluid (Coolant): Radiator fluid, commonly known as coolant, is responsible for regulating engine temperature and preventing it from overheating or freezing. It circulates through the engine and radiator, dissipating heat and protecting against corrosion. Regularly checking coolant levels, ensuring proper coolant mixtures, and flushing the cooling system as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer is essential for maintaining engine temperature and preventing overheating.
Hydraulic Fluid: is used in various hydraulic systems within your car, such as the clutch, brake, and suspension systems. It transmits force and ensures smooth operation of these systems. Regularly inspecting hydraulic fluid levels and ensuring they remain within the recommended range will help prevent system failures and maintain optimal performance.
Gear Oil: is used in manual transmissions, differentials, and transfer cases to lubricate and protect the gears. It operates under high pressures and temperatures, providing the necessary protection and ensuring smooth gear operation. Regularly checking gear oil levels and following the recommended change intervals will help maintain the integrity of these critical components.
Understanding the importance of fluids in your car and regularly checking and maintaining them is vital for the longevity and performance of your vehicle. Brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, motor oil, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, radiator fluid, hydraulic fluid, and gear oil all play essential roles in ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience. By monitoring these fluids, following the manufacturer's recommendations, and addressing any issues promptly, you can enjoy a reliable and well-maintained car for years to come.
