Definition

Noun: A reinforced rubber belt in a vehicle's engine that is driven by the crankshaft. Its primary function is to turn the cooling fan and often other components (like the alternator, water pump, and power steering pump) to ensure the engine operates at a proper temperature.

Usage

The term "fan belt" specifically refers to the belt responsible for driving the engine cooling fan. It is a critical component for engine temperature regulation. * A worn or broken fan belt can cause the engine to overheat. * The mechanic checked the tension of the fan belt during the routine service. * You should listen for a squealing noise, which might indicate a loose fan belt.

Advanced Usage

• While historically a single "fan belt" drove only the cooling fan, in modern vehicles, a single serpentine belt (a type of fan belt) typically drives multiple accessories, including the fan, from the crankshaft.
• The phrase "throw a fan belt" is informal slang for the belt breaking or slipping off its pulleys.
  • My old car threw a fan belt on the highway and started overheating.

Variants and Related Words

• Serpentine Belt (n): A single, long, multi-ribbed belt that snakes around various pulleys to drive most or all engine accessories, replacing multiple individual fan and accessory belts in modern engines.
• V-Belt (n): A belt with a trapezoidal cross-section that fits into a pulley with a V-shaped groove. Traditional fan belts were often V-belts.
• Accessory Drive Belt (n): A more general technical term for any belt that drives engine accessories.

Synonyms

• Drive belt (when context specifies the cooling system)
• Engine belt

Related Phrases

• Fan belt tensioner (n): An adjustable pulley or device that maintains the correct tension on the fan belt.
  • The squeaking was fixed by replacing the fan belt tensioner.

Noun

1. a belt driven by the crankshaft that drives a fan that pulls air through the radiator