Serpentine Belt Service at Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson in Jackson
April 5, 2020
Don't you hate it when you hear that squeal from under the hood when you're zipping down a busy Jackson road? It usually means there is a problem with the serpentine belt. The serpentine belt powers a lot of engine accessories. It runs the alternator - which charges the battery; the water pump - which cools the engine; the air conditioning and the power steering pump. All are pretty important parts. It is called a serpentine belt because it snakes around a bunch of engine components.
Serpentine belts are amazingly tough. They can last for years and go long distances. Like all moving parts, however, they eventually wear out. If your belt breaks while you are driving around Jackson, everything will come to a halt within minutes. You need to stop the vehicle immediately or it will overheat, potentially causing engine damage. You can be sure that it won't happen at a convenient time or place. (As if there was a convenient time or place!) You might even need to get your vehicle towed to Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson. It's no wonder that vehicle manufacturer's recommend a belt replacement on schedule. It's one of those "have-to's."
Jackson drivers who hear a squeal when accelerating, or a slow, slapping sound at idle, should have their serpentine belt looked at. The pros at Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson in Jackson will visually inspect your belt to see if it needs to be changed sooner than scheduled. If the belt has more than three or four cracks every inch or couple of centimeters, has deep cracks that penetrate half the depth of the belt, is frayed, is missing pieces or has a shiny, glazed look, it needs to be replaced regardless of age or mileage.
Serpentine belt replacement is relatively inexpensive, especially compared with the cost and inconvenience of being stranded or getting a disabled vehicle back to Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson for repairs.
You're mom was right: an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.
Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson
1901 E. Jackson Blvd.
Jackson, Missouri 63755
575-243-2226
http://www.charliesfastlubejackson.com
Need Service?
More articles from Charlie's Fast Lube Jackson
The New Blade in Town
February 1, 2026
If your windshield wipers are streaking and chattering when you turn them on in the rain or snow, it's time for a little "blade renewal." And when it comes to new wiper blades, there are some new designs that are worth a look. One of the latest is called the beam blade. It's different than conve... More
Light Up your Life (Headlamp Replacement)
January 25, 2026
Did you know that having a burned out headlight can result in your rearview mirror reflecting some flashing lights? In other words, you might get pulled over by the police for only having one working headlight, because in most places it's against the law. Not only is it illegal to drive with one... More
Knowledge is Power (Battery Testing)
January 18, 2026
Its likely happened to you once or twice. You head to your vehicle, open the door, turn the key and lo and behold, your battery is dead. Now youre stranded, may have to get a jump or a tow, and youll definitely be late for wherever you were headed. While your vehicle may sometimes give you warni... More