Most auto mechanics recommend performing certain tasks on a regular basis as a form of maintenance for a vehicle. Regular maintenance tasks are designed to help cars last longer and avoid repairs, and there are a number of different things you should do as standard maintenance. One of the things you might not think to do is change the belts in the engine, and here are a couple things to know about this.

You Should Regularly Change Your Timing Belt

Depending on the type of car you have, there may be one or two different belts in the engine. If your car has two belts, one of them is most likely called a timing belt. A timing belt is a vital component in your engine; its job is to actually run the engine. A timing belt will last a very long time, but it is something that you should change regularly. The manual that came with your car should tell you how often to do this, but it is likely around every 60,000 miles.

If your timing belt breaks for any reason, it could cause major damage to your engine. In addition, you will be stalled wherever you are until you get a new belt installed. Because of this, it might be worthwhile to change your timing belt from time to time, simply to make sure that it is in good working condition. If you are not sure if yours needs to be replaced, talk to an auto repair shop like Main Street Garage.

You May Also Need To Change Your Serpentine Belt

Some cars also have serpentine belts, which should also be changed regularly. The serpentine belt is responsible for controlling a lot of different parts of your engine, including the alternator, air conditioning system, and power steering. While a serpentine belt can last a long time too, eventually it can wear out. The easiest way to know if yours needs to be replaced is if you hear noise coming from the engine. A worn-out belt will often have a squealing sound that is very recognizable, especially when you initially start your vehicle.

A car mechanic can also tell if your serpentine belt needs to be replaced by examining it and looking for signs of wear and tear.

Replacing the belts in your car before they break is a better option than waiting for them to break. If your car needs any type of car maintenance, schedule an appointment with an auto repair shop in your city.