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What do you spray on car belts?

Published in Automotive Maintenance 4 mins read

You should spray belt dressing on car belts to address issues like squealing and slipping. This specialized product helps restore grip and extends the life of the belts.

The Purpose of Belt Dressing

Belt dressing is specifically formulated to rejuvenate automotive drive belts by increasing their flexibility and enhancing their traction. Its primary function is to eliminate annoying slipping and squealing noises that can arise from worn or glazed belts. It's effective on various types of belts found in a car's engine, including:

  • Rib belts (also known as serpentine belts)
  • V-belts
  • Cog belts

By improving the belt's grip on pulleys, belt dressing ensures efficient power transmission to accessories like the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.

How to Apply Belt Dressing Safely

Proper application of belt dressing is crucial for both effectiveness and safety. Always prioritize safety and consult your specific product's instructions.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

  1. Ensure Safety First: Always start by ensuring the engine is off and cool. This is a critical safety measure to prevent injuries from moving parts or hot surfaces.
  2. Locate the Belt: Identify the specific belt that is squealing or slipping.
  3. Apply Evenly: Spray the belt dressing evenly onto the inner surface of the belt (the side that contacts the pulleys).
  4. Consult Product Instructions: While some belt dressing products are designed for application with the engine running at idle to ensure even distribution, always consult your specific product's instructions for the safest and most effective method of application.
  5. Test and Observe: After application, start the engine and listen for any remaining squealing. If necessary, reapply sparingly according to product directions.

Why You Should Use Belt Dressing

Using the correct belt dressing can provide several benefits for your vehicle's maintenance and performance:

  • Eliminates Noise: It's an immediate solution for irritating squeals and chirps coming from the engine bay.
  • Restores Traction: It helps restore the necessary friction between the belt and pulleys, ensuring accessories operate correctly.
  • Extends Belt Lifespan: By improving grip and reducing slippage, it can prevent premature wear and prolong the life of your belts, delaying the need for costly replacements.
  • Cost-Effective: It's an inexpensive solution for minor belt issues, potentially saving you money on mechanic visits.

For reliable products, you can often find belt dressing at automotive parts stores like AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts.

What Not to Spray on Car Belts

It's equally important to know what not to spray on car belts, as using the wrong substance can cause more harm than good, potentially damaging the belt or other engine components.

  • Engine Oil or Grease: These substances reduce friction, which is the opposite of what belts need. They can also cause the rubber to swell, degrade, and slip even more, leading to belt failure.
  • Silicone Spray: While some silicone sprays might seem harmless, they can dry out the rubber over time, reducing its elasticity and grip.
  • Water: Provides only a temporary (and often ineffective) fix, as it quickly evaporates and can exacerbate the problem once the belt dries.
  • Standard Lubricants/Penetrants: Products designed to lubricate and reduce friction, such as some multi-purpose sprays, should not be used on belts. Belts rely on friction to function correctly, and these lubricants will cause them to slip more severely.

Choosing the Right Belt Dressing

When selecting a belt dressing, look for products specifically formulated for automotive drive belts. Reputable brands are generally a safe choice. A brief comparison highlights the benefits:

Feature Using Belt Dressing Avoiding Proper Solution
Problem Addressed Squealing, slipping belts Problem persists or worsens
Belt Health Restores grip, extends lifespan Accelerates wear, potential failure
Safety/Reliability Improves drive system reliability Risk of belt breakage or malfunction
Cost Inexpensive preventative maintenance Costly belt replacement or repair

By using the correct product and following application instructions, you can effectively manage common belt issues and maintain your vehicle's performance.