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Most drivers wouldn't think about it until the serpentine belt breaks; one of the other components under the hood that most drivers wouldn't think about. But this is one belt that is really crucial to your vehicle's proper operation. The serpentine belt (also called a PK belt or a multi-ribbed belt) is the little-known powerhouse of the modern engine compartment. We have more than 26 years' manufacturing and creation experience of Serpentine belt in Xingtai Guanpin Rubber Products Co., Ltd. and know its significance. This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the function of this belt, its significance and how to make it reliable.
Power Transmission from the Crankshaft
The most elementary definition of the serpentine belt is that it's a power transmission belt. Connects the crank pulley in the engine to a series of accessory pulleys, passing the crank rotation to other key components of the engine. The serpentine belt is attached to the pulley on the crankshaft and passes over the pulley of the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor and may pass over the pulley of the water pump.
The serpentine belt is unique because it is used to drive several accessories from one belt (and is so called because it winds round several pulleys like a snake). It has many longitudinal ribs on the underside of the belt, and uses friction against the pulleys to transmit power, hence the often-used term "PK" belt or "poly-V" belt. The high quality EPDM rubber used at Guanpin's belts results in high friction, little belt slip and all accessories will operate properly.
Powering the Alternator for Battery Charging
One of the most critical jobs of the serpentine belt is to drive the alternator! The alternator produces electric power to recharge the vehicle's battery as well as deliver power to all other electrical circuits, including lighting, ignition, fuel injection, infotainment and engine controls.
When the serpentine belt breaks, the alternator won't continue rotating and the battery will soon run out of power and the car will stall. Hence, when your garter belt fails, you will see numerous lights flash on the dashboard and not be able to start your car. With the superior heat resistance and abrasion resistance of its PK belts, Guanpin can provide a stable alternator drive even when it is subjected to high electrical loads and rough operating environment.
Driving the Air Conditioning and Power Steering
The two systems which have a significant impact on driving comfort are AC and power steering. They both are driven by the serpentine belt. The air conditioning compressor is attached to the belt, the belt is used to circulate the refrigerant inside the air conditioning system and cool the air conditioning system. Loss of cold air is the first symptom of a belt that is worn out, it is either slipping or has broken.
The power steering pump which pumps hydraulic fluid for assistance with steering is also driven by the serpentine belt. Steering is very heavy and cumbersome, particularly at low speeds, when slipping or breaking belt. It's essential for safety and comfort to keep a high quality serpentine belt. Guanpin's PK belt is made of high quality rubber materials and constant rib shape to ensure its consistent performance and reliability over the belt's life.
Supporting the Cooling System and Engine Temperature
Newer vehicles usually have a serpentine belt that is used to drive the water pump which circulates coolant through the cylinder heads, engine block and radiator. It's a big part of maintaining an adequate engine temperature, preventing the engine from over heating. When the serpentine belt fails, the water pump will not pump the water and the temperature of the engine will rise, plus the water won't circulate. Excessive engine temperature will warp the cylinder heads, blow head gaskets and damage the engine. That's why it's important to regularly inspect and replace the serpentine belt. The colors, rubber and rope material of fully customized PK belts can be customized based on the requirement of the specific vehicle and climate. With more than 20 years of experience, we manufacture serpentine belts backed by consistent quality ensuring a dependable performance in all driving conditions.