A complete guide to fan belts

Car maintenance can be carried out by drivers, but sometimes it is important to get it sorted by a qualified mechanic – and this is the case with fan belts.

Within the engine of a vehicle, there are many key components that are integral to keep a car safe and in working order.

This guide looks at what role they play in the engine of a car, and how much it will cost to fix a fan belt.

What is a fan belt?

A fan belt - sometimes known as an auxiliary belt or alternator belt - is an important part of a car's engine system, and is a belt that travels around several engine components, driving them to operate correctly, safely, and effectively.

Made from a reinforced rubber compound with a ribbed surface, the belt helps power multiple components when the engine is on.

It generates electricity to power the alternator and electrical systems within the vehicle, as well as pumping water and fluids for coolants, power steering, and fuel injection pumps.

Fan belts also help air condition compressors and the pumps within the engine control operating temperature of the engine, as well as in the cabin. It also helps power engine cooling fans in most vehicles.

Regular maintenance and replacing when they lose their ribbed surface or break is important to keeping a vehicle in top working order.

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Signs of problems with a fan belt

There are many parts of a vehicle that need to be maintained on a regular basis in order to keep them working.

When it comes to fan belts, there are some important signs to look out for.

The first sign is squealing noises coming from the engine. This will usually be a very high pitch sound.

This will usually be followed by a loss of power steering and the electrical systems not working.

Other symptoms of a faulty fan belt can be engine overheating and fluid leaking under the vehicle.

When you open the bonnet, you can see that there are cracks, splits, or frayed belt – sometimes they can even snap (which you will hear from inside the vehicle).

Sometimes they can become stretched, meaning that there is not enough tension to keep the belt working correctly.

How long do fan belts last?

Although it can depend on make, model, age and quality of the fan belt, the average one can last up to 100,000 miles.

However, poor driving habits and lack of regular maintenance can decrease this limit drastically.

Wear and tear is common for fan belts, and something all drivers should be aware of.

You should also be aware that many modern engines run the risk of sustaining serious damage if a fan belt snaps.

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Fan belt replacement

It is advisable to have a mechanic at a local garage replace a fan belt, but here is the process:

First, they mechanic will need to know the route of the belt, as it can differ depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

They will then need to use a tension tool so that the old belt can be removed. There will be pulleys that will need to be taken off their housing in order to release the belt.

Install the new belt and adjust the tension to the correct amount.

The mechanic will then assess the alignment before letting the driver take the car back.

Fan belt replacement cost

When to comes to replacing a fan belt, the average cost is around £80 to £100.

However, there are many factors that impact the total price you will have to pay.

There are standard and higher spec model belts that can start from £10 and reach prices of around £130.

Labour charges can vary, and if it is a luxury or performance vehicle, then there will be a premium.