fan belt

[pfh1969]

When is the fan belt on a Vauxhall Astra changed?

[KebabMeister]

The fan belt, or more correctly called the Alternator belt, is changed when it is worn; there is no set service replacement schedule for it.  One side of the belt has 'sort' of teeth which grips the pulleys.  In between these teeth the belt is prone to cracking/splitting.  If this happens then the belt is usually replaced incase the belt snaps.  Other belt styles include several grooves and again the grooves can crack too.  Additionally if the belt is oil or coolant contaminated then it can be replaced because given time it will rot the material.  Any other kind of damage then it's beste to replace the belt.

On a routine service it will fall under the 'inspection' category and replacement taken accordingly as described above.