Heywood
Heywood, a town in Manchester, is a thriving community with a population of approximately 30,000. Known for its close-knit atmosphere and friendly residents, Heywood is also home to a bustling car maintenance industry.
The most popular cars in Heywood
After analyzing recent data, we have identified the most popular cars among Heywood residents. Topping the list is the Ford Fiesta, a reliable and compact vehicle that perfectly suits the needs of many Heywood drivers. Following closely behind are the Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Nissan Qashqai.
It is interesting to note that Heywood residents prefer practical and fuel-efficient cars, reflecting the town's emphasis on sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Vehicle numbers in Heywood
Heywood boasts a significant number of registered vehicles, with approximately 15,000 cars on its roads. This high number reflects the town's reliance on private transportation and the demand for reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Heywood
Heywood is divided into various postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some notable areas include OL10 (Heywood Town Centre, Heap Bridge, and Broadfield), OL11 (Bamford, Castleton, and Norden), and OL12 (Rochdale, Wardle, and Littleborough). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Heywood.
Connecting Heywood residents with top-notch car maintenance services
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Heywood residents, we understand the importance of providing exceptional services to keep their vehicles running smoothly. Whether it's routine maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Heywood's automotive landscape.
With our extensive network of skilled mechanics and garages across the town, we ensure that Heywood residents have access to reliable and efficient car maintenance services. Our platform also offers the convenience of online booking and transparent pricing, making it easier than ever for Heywood drivers to take care of their beloved vehicles.
At our car maintenance platform, we are committed to keeping Heywood's cars in optimal condition, ensuring that residents can navigate the town's streets with confidence and peace of mind.
What does an alternator belt do?
An alternator belt is known by many names including the drive belt, v-belt or a serpentine belt.
Alternators are responsible for sustaining the charge of the battery so that it can power the electrical components of the vehicle. Without this key piece of equipment, the battery would die after only a short amount of driving. When an alternator is actively charging the battery, it must be constantly spinning. This spinning is made possible by the alternator belt which runs from the pulley on the alternator to the crankshaft.
The alternator belt does a very specific job and without it, the alternator cannot provide the constant charge the battery needs when the car is running. The alternator belt also drives the range of ancillary components used by the vehicle, which can include the car's power steering, air conditioning compressor, water pump and in some cases, the cooling fan. In most cars, if the water pump and oil pump are left to fail or malfunction, it can lead to severe or fatal engine damage.
Made of rubber, the belt is prone to deterioration over time, and due to its position next to the engine, excessive heat and general wear will lead to a brittle drive belt that is prone to cracking. It’s an essential part of the healthy running of your engine, so it’s imperative it’s in good condition.
How often does an alternator belt need replacing?
The average lifespan of an alternator belt is around 3-4 years, but can vary depending on how much you use your car. Heat from the engine can also make the alternator belt deteriorate more quickly, causing it to crack and tear. As the belt is constantly spinning, it can also become loose and won’t function properly.
What happens during an alternator belt replacement?
Our certified mechanics will:
Visually inspect the alternator belt for signs of wear, tears and cracks.
Check the alternator belt's pulleys and tensioner.
Replace the belt, if necessary.
Check related parts and advise if any other repairs are needed.
What causes an alternator belt to break?
Alternator belts are made of rubber, therefore the belt is prone to deterioration over time. Additionally, due to its position next to the engine, excessive heat and general wear will lead to a brittle drive belt that is prone to cracking and splitting. It plays an essential role in the healthy running of your car, so it’s imperative it’s in good condition.
When should an alternator belt be replaced?
Typically the lifespan of an alternator belt is around 3–4 years. It should be inspected during your annual vehicle service or whenever you have an oil change.
What are the symptoms of a broken alternator belt?
Usually, there a few signs you can look for:
A squeaking sound from under the bonnet when you start your engine, or a high-pitched squeak while the engine is running.
If your car stalls regularly, or the engine refuses to turn over, it could be down to a slipping or broken alternator belt.
If you feel your car’s steering is heavier than normal, this could be due to a lack of power transferred to the power-steering system, and could also be down to the improper performance of your alternator belt.
If any of your vehicle’s accessories stop working or the headlights and interior lights flicker or operate much dimmer than usual.
How to replace an alternator belt on your car?
To carry out an alternator belt replacement you must:
Open the bonnet and visually inspect the alternator belt for signs of wear, tears and cracks.
Check any parts connected to the alternator belt, such as pulleys and the belt tensioner.
Replace the belt, if necessary.
Check related parts and components to see if any other repairs are needed.
Can you drive with a bad alternator belt?
You should stop driving your car if you think there may be a problem with your alternator belt. Your alternator belt might not look like one of the most important components of your engine’s operation, but the role of every car’s drive belt is paramount to the healthy performance of your car’s engine.
What happens if you don't change a broken alternator belt?
Failure to spot when your alternator belt needs replacing or when it’s not quite performing up to scratch can ultimately lead to a seized engine brought on by a failed water pump or another integral part of the system. Therefore in order to save money in the long-run you should have your alternator belt replaced as soon as you think it may be failing.
Do alternator belts deteriorate with age?
Yes, because the belt is made from rubber it does wear out over time. The average lifespan of an alternator belt is around 3-4 years, but can vary depending on how much you use your car. Heat from the engine can also make the alternator belt deteriorate more quickly, causing it to crack and tear. As the belt is constantly spinning, it can also become loose and won’t function properly.