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Your Kia's car belt, also known as the drive belt, transmits the power of your engine to various essential accessories. It powers the alternator, thereby keeping your battery fully charged. It also powers the water pump in your cooling system, the power steering pump, and the air conditioning compressor. If you notice the following signs of accessory trouble, you might need to promptly visit your local Kia dealer for a new drive belt. Signs You Need a New Car Belt Dying Battery The alternator keeps your battery fully charged by transforming the mechanical power of your engine into electrical power. If your drive belt breaks or slips, and stops powering the alternator, then your battery will rapidly die. You'll notice this in fading headlamps, failing electrical components, and being unable to start your car in the morning. more You can check your drive belt by popping the hood and looking for a serpentine belt that weaves around various cranks and pulleys. A drive belt might occasionally slip off a pulley, in which case you can push it back on. It might also crack or break, in which case you'll need to replace it. Occasionally, drive belts can loosen, causing slippage, or have the inner grooves worn away, in which case you'll also need a new belt. Overheating Engine A more dangerous consequence of a faulty belt is the cooling system failing. The water pump, also known as the coolant pump, keeps coolant fluid circulating from your radiator to the engine and back. If your drive belt stops powering the water pump, your cooling system will no longer work properly, and your engine will begin to overheat. An overheating engine can rapidly undergo catastrophic damage, such as a blown gasket or seizing-up parts. An overheating engine can be indicated by a hood that's hot to touch, loud ticking noises from the engine, a burning smell, and wisps of steam or smoke. But the very first sign you're likely to notice is the temperature gauge on your dashboard shooting inexplicably upward. Heavier Steering Many drivers are unaware of how important power steering is. One of the reasons the popular Kia Forte and all other Kia models have such silky-smooth handling is because of Kia's advanced power steering system, which dramatically amplifies the force of your steering wheel each time you turn it. Without power steering, you wouldn't be able to turn your wheel quickly and easily. Parking, tight maneuvers, and any rapid steering would become extremely difficult and even dangerous. So if your steering ever becomes heavier, first of all, check that your drive belt hasn't slipped. Failing Air Conditioner The final accessory powered by your drive belt is the air conditioning compressor. The compressor acts as the heart of your air conditioner, liquifying refrigerant from gas to liquid and back again into vapor to cool your car. So, if you find yourself heating up as you drive because the air conditioner isn't working, the culprit might well be your drive belt. How a Kia Dealer Inspects Your Belt A technician at your local dealership will remove the belt and examine it for any signs of cracking or fraying at the edges. They'll check for splitting, missing ribs, and contamination from leaking oil or fluids. Lastly, they'll use a belt gauge tool to measure the depth of your belt's grooves. If any such problems are detected, they'll recommend a replacement, as a damaged belt can fail at any time. Have Your Drive Belt Checked, Fixed, or Replaced Today Need to visit for service at DARCARS Lanham Kia? We're a trusted local dealership that consistently offers top-notch customer service to everyone who steps foot through our doors.