The component we are going to talk about today is called the "water pump belt". As the name suggests, the function of the water pump belt is of course the transmission belt that drives the engine to operate the water pump. That's true, but it's not entirely true. Actually, the component we call the "water pump belt" is a component that connects the engine crankshaft to the water pump, generator, steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.

Of course, so many components are not connected solely by one belt, usually 2-3 belts are connected to certain mechanical equipment in the system. For example, a belt is responsible for connecting the "crankshaft water pump generator"; The other belt is responsible for connecting the "water pump steering pump". You may even encounter the air conditioning compressor drive belt.

These belts are called "water pump belts", "generator belts", or "compressor belts" according to the connection relationship of the drive according to the specific vehicle model. So these belts, driven by the crankshaft, transmit power to the corresponding water pumps, generators, compressors, and other components, completely driving them.

You may have already learned about the maintenance and upkeep of timing belts from previous lessons. It is also known that if the timing belt breaks due to untimely maintenance, the consequences are as follows: the intake and exhaust valves are directly impacted by high-speed moving pistons, the valve stems are directly bent, and the guide pipe cracks, causing catastrophic damage to the engine.

Therefore, most car owners often take the timing belts of their cars seriously, but what everyone doesn't know is that if the "water pump belts" and "generator belts" on the car lack proper management and maintenance for a long time, it can also bring some big trouble to the car. What is the lifespan of the engine belt? Engine belts are all rubber parts, and rubber can age. The general service life of automotive timing belts is 2 years, because the high temperature during engine operation, cooling after the car stops, oily impurities, and incorrect matching and installation of timing belt tightening wheels can shorten the service life of timing belts.

Therefore, most car owners often take the timing belts of their cars seriously, but what everyone doesn't know is that if the "water pump belts" and "generator belts" on the car lack proper management and maintenance for a long time, it can also bring some big trouble to the car.

What is the lifespan of the engine belt?

Engine belts are all rubber parts, and rubber can age. The general service life of automotive timing belts is 2 years, because the high temperature during engine operation, cooling after the car stops, oily impurities, and incorrect matching and installation of timing belt tightening wheels can shorten the service life of timing belts.

As we all know, car power is provided by batteries, and the energy in the batteries is not inexhaustible, so a generator is needed to charge the batteries. For example, after the generator belt breaks, the generator immediately stops running, and the entire vehicle is still powered by the battery. However, due to the loss of the generator's charging, the battery's power can maintain a maximum distance of 5 kilometers, and the vehicle has to lie down and cannot move.

For example, once the water pump belt breaks, with the stop of the water pump, the engine cooling system immediately stops circulating, and the engine will start boiling due to high temperature within half a minute! Therefore, these belts also require regular inspection and maintenance.
How long does the car water pump belt need to be replaced? Inspection and judgment of generator and water pump belts

The inspection of these belts is usually relatively simple: by observing whether the belts are cracked or cracked. As long as there are traces of cracking, it indicates that the belt is "not very old", and we need to replace it in advance! In addition, for every 100000 kilometers of accumulated mileage, it is also necessary to check and replace the belt. The replacement mileage of the water pump belt is generally 50000 kilometers, and if there is a squeaking sound during starting or starting, it is mostly caused by insufficient tension of the water pump belt! If the aging is not severe, it can be solved by adjusting the tension and continuing to use! If the aging of the water pump belt is not severe, even if it exceeds the mileage specified by the manufacturer, it can still be used and needs to be replaced according to the situation! Additionally, we must pay attention and listen to the sound of the drive belt. If we hear a noticeable belt howling sound after the engine starts, we need to find the cause of the howling in a timely manner.

The inspection of these belts is usually relatively simple: by observing whether the belts are cracked or cracked. As long as there are traces of cracking, it indicates that the belt is "not very old", and we need to replace it in advance! In addition, for every 100000 kilometers of accumulated mileage, it is also necessary to check and replace the belt.

The replacement mileage of the water pump belt is generally 50000 kilometers, and if there is a squeaking sound during starting or starting, it is mostly caused by insufficient tension of the water pump belt! If the aging is not severe, it can be solved by adjusting the tension and continuing to use! If the aging of the water pump belt is not severe, even if it exceeds the mileage specified by the manufacturer, it can still be used and needs to be replaced according to the situation!

Additionally, we must pay attention and listen to the sound of the drive belt. If we hear a noticeable belt howling sound after the engine starts, we need to find the cause of the howling in a timely manner.

Usually, there are three causes of howling: firstly, the howling caused by the failure of the belt pulley bearing; The second reason is that the belt is adjusted too tightly, which leads to howling. Here is a simple way to determine whether the belt tension is appropriate: in the middle of the two belt pulleys, use your thumb to forcefully press the belt down. If it can be pressed down by 1 centimeter, it indicates that the tension is just right. If it can be pressed down by more than 1 centimeter, it indicates that the belt is too loose, otherwise it is too tight.

The third reason for howling is due to the excessive friction between the belt and the belt plate. A simple solution is to find a piece of soap to apply to the inside of the belt, which often effectively eliminates the friction howling sound.