Snake in the Engine (Serpentine Belt)

July 7, 2024

There's a belt that snakes through your engine. It's even named for a snake, the serpentine belt. It'll bite you when it breaks, possibly leaving you stranded. So, it's good to know a little about this snake-like belt. In early engines, there were lots of belts. They were used to convert the r... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Rockford: Serpentine Belt Overview

June 17, 2020

The technicians at Tuffy Rockford know your serpentine belt drives important engine accessories like your alternator, air conditioning compressor, and power steering. In some cars it may also power the power brakes or water pump. The serpentine belt is powered by the engine and winds around pulle... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Rockford: Serpentine Belt Tensioner

February 14, 2017

The serpentine belt tensioner applies pressure to the serpentine belt, maintaining optimal tension to drive the accessories like the alternator and A/C compressor. At Tuffy Rockford we know that the service life of the belt tensioner is the same as the belt itself, so they should always be replac... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Rockford: Serpentine Belt System Wear

March 20, 2016

The primary job of the serpentine belt for Loves Park drivers is to provide important traction to spin the accessories. As the belt wears it loses some of its grip and the accessories may not spin at optimal speeds. For example, if your alternator doesnt spin fast enough, the battery will not com... More

Tuffy Rockford Auto Service and Maintenance Videos: Serpentine Belt Overview

October 7, 2015

Your serpentine belt drives vital engine accessories like your alternator, air conditioning compressor, and power steering. In some vehicles it may also power the power brakes or water pump. The serpentine belt is powered by the engine and winds around pulleys and the accessories. S... More