How long does the blower belt last?
Both superchargers and turbochargers are used in modern vehicles to provide extra power and performance. Although they do essentially the same thing (push extra air into the intake), they work differently….
Both superchargers and turbochargers are used in modern vehicles to provide extra power and performance. Although they do essentially the same thing (push extra air into the intake), they work differently. Turbochargers work on the basis of exhaust gases, which means that they do not turn on until the engine is at high RPM. The superchargers use a belt, so they provide better performance at the lower end of the power spectrum.
Your car's supercharger belt is attached to a specific drive pulley and only works when the supercharger is on. This can limit wear to some extent (compared to your car's V-ribbed belt, which is used all the time the engine is running).
Like all other belts on your engine, your supercharger belt is subject to wear and tear over time and use, as well as heat. Eventually, it will dry out and start to crack or fall apart. It can also stretch like your car's V-ribbed belt. The best defense against a damaged or broken belt is regular inspection. It should be checked at every oil change so you can keep an eye on it and replace it before it breaks.
At the same time, a broken blower belt is not the end of the world. Without it, the supercharger will not work, but the engine will work, although fuel consumption may increase. It could also be a sign of another problem, such as a stuck supercharger pulley.
Watch out for these signs that your belt is about to fail:
- Cracks on the surface of the belt
- Cuts or tears on the belt
- Glazing or glitter on the belt
- Loose belt
- Squealing sound when blower is turned on (indicates a loose belt or pulley problem)
If you notice blower belt wear or hear an unusual noise when the blower is turned on, a certified mechanic can help inspect the pulley, belt, and other components and replace the blower belt if necessary.
