Volkswagen Serpentine Belt Buyer's Guide
The serpentine belt may look like a simple part, but it plays an instrumental role in the operation of your engine. If your serpentine belt fails, your engine accessories can no longer run. That's why it's important for you as a car owner to know what a serpentine belt is and what to do when your belt fails.
What Is A Serpentine Belt And Why Is It Important?
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A serpentine belt is a long, flat belt in a closed loop. It's snaked through a bunch of pulleys that power some engine accessories, such as the:
- Alternator
- Power steering pump
- A/C compressor
- Water pump
Its job is to transfer power from the engine's crankshaft to these accessories. Without the serpentine belt, the engine accessories won't get any power. This post has a more thorough explanation of what a serpentine belt is and why it's important.
How To Diagnose A Failing Serpentine Belt
When your serpentine belt fails, many engine accessories will stop working. That's why it's important to diagnose and replace a failing serpentine belt as soon as you notice the symptoms. This guide will walk you through the diagnostic process.
To sum it up, you would need to check the belt tension and visually inspect it for any signs of damage.
How To Replace A Serpentine Belt In A VW Beetle
Replacing the serpentine belt in your engine is something you can do at home with the proper tools and an easy-to-follow tutorial. If you're looking for a serpentine belt replacement tutorial, find one that's specific to your VW model. We put together this serpentine belt replacement tutorial for VW Beetles.
Are OEM VW Serpentine Belts Better Than Aftermarket?
Before you can replace the serpentine belt in your VW vehicle, you need to buy a replacement belt. This means you need to decide between getting an OEM belt or an aftermarket belt. This comparison guide explains why OEM serpentine belts are a better investment. To sum it up:
- OEM serpentine belts are made to the exact specifications of your vehicle
- OEM belts are made with high quality materials
- OEM belts are easy to install
- OEM belts come with a warranty
There's no guarantee that aftermarket belts come with these features. The serpentine belt is an important part of your engine, so OEM is the way to go.