St. Helens
St. Helens, located in the northwest of England, is a bustling city known for its industrial heritage and strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 180,000, it is a vibrant hub of activity.
The most popular cars in St. Helens
When it comes to car ownership in St. Helens, the data collected reveals some interesting insights. The Ford Focus takes the top spot as the most popular car in the city, favored by many St. Helens residents. Following closely behind are the Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Fiesta, and the Nissan Qashqai.
In addition to these popular choices, it is worth noting that St. Helens residents also show a preference for larger vehicles such as SUVs and crossovers. This could be attributed to the city's proximity to rural areas and the need for vehicles that can handle various terrains.
Vehicle numbers in St. Helens
St. Helens boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 120,000 cars registered in the city. This high number reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the importance of maintaining a well-functioning vehicle.
Postcodes and suburbs in St. Helens
St. Helens is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some notable areas include WA9 (Parr, Sutton, and Clock Face), WA10 (Thatto Heath, Eccleston, and Rainhill), WA11 (Haydock, Moss Bank, and Billinge), and WA12 (Newton-le-Willows, Earlestown, and Haydock). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of St. Helens.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of St. Helens residents, we understand the importance of providing reliable and efficient services to keep their vehicles running smoothly. Whether it's regular servicing, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of St. Helens' automotive landscape.
What does a fan belt do?
A fan belt is designed to transfer rotational power from one part of the engine to another. Its job is to turn several pulleys and gears that utilise the energy from the crankshaft and starter to turn and power up different accessories and important functions in your car.
The fan belt is a flexible synthetic rubber band which connects various engine components together. It has a long series of teeth running along the inner surface of the belt which generate traction, allowing it to grip to the shafts it connects and keeping it from slipping off.
A fan belt is one of the essential car parts that should always be kept in good condition and regularly maintained. Its main role is to connect the crankshaft pulley and the alternator to the engine cooling fan.
How often should a fan belt need replacing?
You shouldn't need to replace your fan belt more than every four or five years or every 60,000-100,000 miles, however it’s good practice to inspect them regularly for signs of wear, cracks or shredding.
As well as this it's important to be aware of the symptoms of a failing fan belt, such as a squeaking or whining noise when you start the engine, if you have trouble starting your car or if your steering becomes heavy.
What happens during a fan belt replacement?
Our certified mechanics will:
Inspect the fan belt for signs of wear and cracks.
They will also inspect the belt's pulleys and tensioner.
Replace the belt, if necessary.
Advise if any other related repairs are necessary.
What causes a fan belt to break?
Because fan belts are made of rubber and are in constant use, they do wear out over time. However that being said, because fan belts are more common nowadays, they are designed to last much longer than their predecessors. You shouldn't need to replace your fan belt more than every four or five years or every 60,000-100,000 miles.
Pulley misalignment is a common cause of premature belt failure, as it forces the belt to kink or twist while running, resulting in premature wear.
When should a fan belt be replaced?
You shouldn't need to replace your fan belt more than every four or five years or every 60,000-100,000 miles, however it’s good practice to inspect them regularly for signs of wear, cracks or shredding.
What are the signs of a broken fan belt?
Usually, there a few signs you can look for:
A squeaking or whining noise whenever the engine is switched on
If your fan belt is visibly worn, cracked or torn
If your engine overheats regularly
Trouble starting your car
When the steering becomes heavy
What happens during a fan belt replacement?
Our certified mechanics will:
Inspect the fan belt for signs of wear and cracks.
They will also inspect the belt's pulleys and tensioner.
Replace the belt, if necessary.
Advise if any other related repairs are necessary.
What is the average life of a fan belt?
The average lifespan of a fan belt is between 60,000-100,000 miles or every four to five years. As with any car part this varies from vehicle to vehicle and driver to driver.
Can you drive with a broken fan belt?
If your fan belt completely snaps or breaks you probably won’t be able to drive your car as the fan belt is needed to drive many essential components in the engine. However if your fan belt is badly worn you will still be able to drive, however we recommend getting a replacement belt fitted as soon as possible to avoid it snapping unexpectedly.
Do fan belts deteriorate with age?
Because fan belts are made of rubber and are in constant use, they do wear out over time. However that being said, because fan belts are more common nowadays, they are designed to last much longer than their predecessors. You shouldn't need to replace your fan belt more than every four or five years or every 60,000-100,000 miles.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
The condition of service parts such as air and oil filters or drive and timing belts are not checked in the MOT. However it’s good practice to inspect them regularly for signs of wear, cracks or shredding, especially if your car is more than four years old.