Tag Archives: alternator repair Indianapolis

What You Need to Know About Serpentine Belt Replacement

Posted on by

A serpentine belt is not a tacky snakeskin wardrobe accessory. It is a vital automotive part that helps power your car’s engine. If you have been driving your vehicle for several years, but have never had the serpentine belt replaced, it could be time now. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about serpentine belts, including information on serpentine belt replacement, maintenance, and repair.

Serpentine Belt Replacement Indianapolis IN 317-475-1846
Serpentine Belt Replacement Indianapolis IN 317-475-1846

Serpentine Belt Operation and Design

A serpentine belt is a long belt inside the engine that winds around various pulleys, thus aligning them with the motion of the engine’s crankshaft. As the serpentine belt goes round, it causes the pulleys to turn, which sends power to many automotive components within a vehicle, including the air conditioning, alternator, power steering pump, and water pump.

If you have an older vehicle, keep in mind that they are known to require serpentine belt replacement sooner than modern-day vehicles do. Consult with your local Indianapolis auto repair shop to determine a routine car maintenance plan to support proper engine efficiency and performance.

Common Signs of a Failing Serpentine Belt

Although serpentine belts are manufactured to last for many years, they do need replaced every now and then. You will know if your serpentine belt needs to be replaced by looking for certain automotive performance issues. For instance, if you are having trouble with your air conditioning, car battery, or dimming lights in your car, it could be due to the serpentine belt not allowing the pulleys to send power to these automotive components.

Here’s What To Look For:

➾ Squealing Noise From Steering Wheel
➾ Battery Warning Light on Dash
➾ Temperature Warning Light on Dash
➾ Check Engine Light on Dash
➾ Sluggish or Heavy Steering
➾ Broken Air Conditioning

Serpentine Belt Replacement and Costs

Most automotive manufacturers recommend replacing serpentine belt at 60,000 miles; however, many vehicles can drive up to 100,000 miles without serpentine belt replacement work. The most important element of serpentine belt replacement is catching the need for replacement before the serpentine belt breaks.

Early diagnosis of engine problems is important, which is why routine car maintenance is critical for your vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity. Your Indianapolis IN mechanic will be able to spot the need for serpentine belt work before it can break down on you. Not only can the save you a lot of time and stress, but it can also save you money.

The cost to replace a serpentine belt will depend on the price of the auto part itself and labor. Serpentine bells usually run anywhere from $25-$75, depending on the retailer and the make and model of the vehicle. Labor to remove and replace the serpentine belt can range anywhere from $100 to $200 or so. So, you can expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $300, depending on your make and model vehicle and the complexity of the job.

Are you looking for a trusted automotive mechanic for serpentine belt replacement in the Indy area? Contact Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for professional, ASE-licensed engine repair services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Check out our auto shop coupons, too!

Related Posts:

6 Signs That Suggest You Need Alternator Repair
Do I Have to Repair a Check Engine Light?
Top 4 Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start

ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics 317-475-1846
ASE Certified Mechanics Indianapolis 317-475-1846

6 Signs That Suggest You Need Alternator Repair

Posted on by

If you tried to turn your car on this morning, but all you got were a series of loud clicks, perhaps you are convinced it is a dead battery. However, it could also be your alternator, which is more likely the case if your car battery is still fairly new. If you suspect that your alternator is in trouble, your first step is to take a closer look to see if you can detect any signs a failing alternator.

Continue reading to learn the top 6 most evident signs that an alternator needs to be repaired or replaced.

ASE Certified Alternator Repair

ASE Certified Alternator Repair 317-475-1846


An alternator is an important automotive parts because it is the energy base for the entire vehicle. Alternators basically provide the necessary electricity to all the various electrically-controlled components in a vehicle. It supplies the energy to start the engine, charge the battery, and power up all other electrical components.

Over time, parts of the alternator can begin to tarnish or wear down. Things like brushes, rotors, and other internal parts must be replaced periodically. It is best to refer to your car’s owners’ manual for factory recommended instructions for alternator maintenance. In the meantime, it is wise to learn how your car will tell you the alternator has gone bad.

Usually, they do this by demonstrating these 6 signs:

➀ Dead Battery

As mentioned, one of the most common signs of a failing alternator is a dead battery, which is another reason why a failing alternator is misinterpreted as a car battery problem so often. When an alternator is malfunctioning, the battery must use a lot of extra energy, which quickly depletes its power.

➁ Check Engine Light

When the check engine light comes on, it could mean a lot of different things. For this reason, you must have your vehicle diagnostically tested by a professional to determine the exact cause. However, a failing alternator is a possible reason why a check engine light might illuminate.

➂ Engine Stalls

If your engine is stalling on your every time you try to drive your vehicle from one destination to another, you may very well have an alternator problem on your hands. As mentioned, alternators supply the energy needed to start engines and keep them running.

➃ Dimmed Lights

Do your interior and exterior lights seem less bright than they normally do? Headlights, ceiling lights, stereo lights, and dashboards lights are all powered by the energy your alternator supplies. So when the alternator is malfunctioning, the lights are usually one of the first components to be affected.

➄ Electrical Malfunctions

As with dimmed lights, additional electrical malfunctions are often an indication of alternator issues. Things like power seats, power windows, GPS, stereo, radio, and screen displays can begin to have problems, or stop working entirely.

➅ Strange Sounds

As with most internal automotive problems, strange noises are usually a common red flag. When your car does not sound like it usually does, both while it’s in idle and when it’s running, it could be a sign that your alternator needs to be repaired.

Indianapolis Auto Repair Experts You Can Trust

Auto Repair Coupons Indianapolis IN 317-475-1846

Auto Repair Indianapolis 317-475-1846

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 for specialized alternator repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are ASE licensed and certified car mechanics who provide a wide range of foreign and domestic auto repair services, as well as, free estimates, coupons, car care advice, and more. Request a free estimate, today.