Posted on 4/28/2025
The serpentine belt under your hood powers some of your car’s most important systems—everything from the alternator to the A/C. But it only works properly if it stays tight, and that’s where the belt tensioner comes in. When the tensioner starts to wear out, it can throw the whole system off. Ignoring the signs can lead to more than just a loose belt—it can take down multiple components and leave you stuck. So, how can you tell if your belt tensioner is on its way out? What Does a Belt Tensioner Do A belt tensioner is a spring-loaded pulley that keeps constant pressure on the serpentine belt. It allows for minor adjustments as the belt stretches with use, maintaining the right amount of tension to keep everything running smoothly. If the tensioner fails, the belt can slip, make noise, or come off entirely—cutting power to major engine systems. Because the serpentine belt powers so many components, one failed tensioner can lead to overhe ... read more