Is it good to tighten up Belts on your Car?
By marciascott
@marciascott (25529)
United States
February 16, 2008 12:10pm CST
This is what was told to me from One Mylotters, I will try this. It doesn't cost anything to try it. I am talking about Alternator belts, because I do hear these noises, like something needs to be tighten up. I will let you know what happens I hope it works!
3 people like this
6 responses
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
17 Feb 08
After running our vehicles for a while, especially in the wintertime, our belts do becaome stretched and lossened and it make like a squealing sound or a screech sound even if the car is just idling. It is good to keep them tightemend up to help the motor run better and get rid of that noise. Over time the belts do get so worn out that you really can't tighten them down anymore because they are so stretched out and then we have to replace them. I am no mechanic but have had my share of experiences with vehicles over the years and have acquired alot of knowledge on alot of it. I hope it works for you also. Good luck Marcie.
1 person likes this
@finlander60 (1804)
• United States
17 Feb 08
Depending on the way the belt(s) are kept tight, it may or may not be possible or even a good idea. Many vehicles have a separate part called an automatic belt tensioner that takes up the slack when the belts stretch. Belts will stretch simply because they are made of rubber, which always stretches. This is a fact of life. Good luck.
@musicman6 (2406)
• United States
17 Feb 08
Just make sure, you don't tighten the belts too tight because then you will mess up the bearingS on the alternator!
The belt should be so tight that when you press down on it, it should only have 1/2" slack on it"!
@newzealtralian (3930)
• Australia
23 Feb 08
Don't tighten it too much or it will snap. There should be a little slack in it or it won't work properly.
