eee Serpentine belt becoming ore common THE TRADITIONAL combina- tion of three or four drive belts which operate a vehicle’s ac- cessories is giving way to a single serpentine belt on many new cars. A product of automotive design technology, this long belt powers as many as seven pulleys, driving the alternator, water pump, radiator fan, power steering, air conditioning compressor and, on some engines, the air pump. The single belt not only con- sumes less power, it also conserves space under the hood. These are important considerations for those automotive engincers challenged with the downsizing of our vehi- cles. The state-of-the-art design, known as a V-ribbed, is wider and thinner, providing greater flexibili- ty to bend around small pulleys. It also can transmit power off its top surface. The conventional ‘‘V’’ belt contacts the pulley only on its lower side. - While one of these serpentine belts is easier to replace than four standard belts, mechanics are ad- vised that pulley alignment must be perfect to assure proper wear and pulling power. Conventional drive belts should be inspected periodically —- ideally once a month — and replaced when worn, frayed, cracked or Polish good for exterior From page 40 ‘easy to apply and not scratch your car,’ says Jim Latty,- vice-presi- dent of research and development for a wax distributor. To locate ingredients that would be safe for clear coat paints, yet deliver a durable, high shine, they went to the jewelry industry to ac- quire the very same grade of polishing agents used by jewellers to shine crystal and goid. These polishing agents are five times finer than traditional automotive wax polishing agents. “Super-fine polishing agents provide less surface resistance, allowing consumers to wax their cars in less time, while the superior silicones and waxes provide an in- credible shine and outstanding durability,” said Latty. S “In fact, tests show that this significantly outlasts the current leading waxes.”’ So, this year, when looking for that great winter coat for your car, search for one that not only pro- vides durability for the long winter months, but durability for your car’s delicate clear coat finish. glazed. Belt life generally ranges from three to four years. Belt adjustment is critical. Ac- cording to Car Care, the frictional heat from a slipping belt transfers to the pulleys, possibly melting the bearing lubricant. While the new serpentine belts are far superior to their predecessors, they and their pulleys do require periodic inspection. Foreign objects in the pulley can erode the ribs, causing the belt to lose its pulling power. Inspect for uneven ribs, and if necessary replace a damaged belt. 43 - Wednesday, October 26, 1988 ~ North Shore Ne BT OCU Sie at NEWS photo Mike Wakefield NEW SERPENTINE belt — found in many late-model cars — is the wave of the future for most makes of cars. At Craftsman Collision, we've been turning out beautiful bodies for years. But now that we've opened our third body shop opposite the Park & Tilford Shopping Centre, it’s extra-easy for folks on the North Shore to have the same high-quality bodywork their South Shore neighbours have been enjoying all along. With the same expert staff and top-notch suppliers ~ like White & Peters for paint, and Modern Auto Plating for chrome — you can be sure we'll give your car the attention it needs to look like new. No matter what shape it’s in.