Drive Belts

Drive Belt FAQs

What is auxiliary drive belt?

It is a rubber belt that runs around pulleys on the outside of the engine. It powers parts like the alternator, power steering pump and air conditioning. Without it, those systems would not work.

How to remove an alternator belt ?

First make sure the engine is off and cool. The belt is held tight by a tensioner. You release that to loosen the belt and then lift it off the pulleys. If you are not confident, it is best to have our expert Halfords team do the job.

What happens if the alternator belt breaks while driving ?

If the belt snaps while you're on the road, the alternator will stop charging the battery and you may lose power steering and air conditioning. Warning lights will usually appear on the dashboard, and the car could cut out once the battery runs flat. It's best to replace a worn belt before it reaches this stage.