Last updated on June 27th, 2023 at 01:40 pm
You are in the right article if you are looking for a home belt dressing alternative that you can use for your car serpentine and alternator belts.
A belt dressing sprays keep your alternator or serpentine belts in great shape by moisturizing and lubricating them. Lubrication helps to reduce belt friction, slippage, dry out, and cracking, which can lead to awkward sounds like squeals and chirps and the ultimate failure of the belt.
However, there are many reasons why you may not have a belt dressing spray in handy when you need to use one. You may have run out of your current belt dressing spray, in a remote area where auto shops aren’t available or forgot to include it in your vehicle while traveling.
In any of these cases, you need belt-dressing alternatives that are equally effective and will get the job done.
This article will cover some of the best at home belt dressing alternatives, including other relevant information about belt dressing sprays.
Let’s get right down to it.
3 At-home Belt Dressing Alternatives
When you discover that your belt dressing spray can is empty and you can’t rush down to the auto shop to get one, or you are far from civilization, try these alternatives.
1. Bar Soap
Bar soap can lubricate your car’s belt like any belt dressing spray would, and it’s readily available at home. If you don’t have one, you can easily purchase it at the nearest grocery store or get one from a neighbor.
Application is also easy. Just turn off your engine and allow it to cool for a while. Then open the engine hood, locate your serpentine, scoop a small amount of the soap in your palms, and apply it across the length of the belt.
2. Candle Wax
Candle wax can substitute for belt dressing spray if you have one at home. While it might seem a bit off to use candle wax, it can moisturize your belt and reduce squeals. Candles are cheap and always available at home. You could even use a half candle, as you only need a small amount to get the job done.
You will only apply a single layer of wax to the belt, which creates a protective layer to remove impurities, dirt, dust and ensures it runs smoothly.
3. Deodorant
Again, this may sound a bit off or even funny. But yes, the deodorant you wear on your body can lubricate your alternator belt and eliminate the squeaky sound you are hearing.
What’s more?
Almost everyone uses a deodorant, so it’s readily available, making it not just an alternative but a cheap one at that.
Plus, it’s the easiest to apply because of the rolling ball on the deodorant’s bottle. Just rub it around the belt, and your lubrication job is complete.
What Can Be Used in Place of Belt Dressing?
There are many alternatives to belt dressing sprays that you can use and still have the same results. Some of them include:
- Silicone spray
- Graphite powder
- Bar soap
- Deodorant
- WD-40 anti-slip sprays
- Belt conditioner
Should You Use Belt Dressing?
Yes, belt dressing sprays are necessary to keep your car’s belt in good condition, reduce squeaks, prolong its lifespan, and ensure it functions effectively.
However, be cautious when using them as some may negatively affect the belt in the long run.
Always use recommended products by your auto mechanic and purchase from reputable auto part stores.
If the squeals and other awkward sounds persist after using belt dressing sprays, consult your auto mechanic for a full belt diagnosis and subsequent solution.
Can Belt Dressing Stop Belt Slipping?
One of the many functions of belt dressing sprays is to prevent the belt from slipping not just in your car but in other types of machinery where belts are found.
So, yes, it can stop the belt from slipping, by providing an instant firm grip between the belt, its pulleys, and tensioner.
What is Belt Dressing Spray Made Of?
Belt dressing sprays are mainly made of silicone-based chemical formula, which helps them to protect belts from dirt, dust, grime, and other elements that can inhibit their smooth running.
Other constituents of a typical belt dressing spray include lubricants, blends of special oils, and polymers.
There are also petroleum-based belt dressing sprays, which are unreliable and could pose a threat to the belt’s lifespan due to chemical reactions.
Does Belt Dressing Ruin Belts?
Yes, some belt dressing types can stick to the belt for a long time, leading to a series of chemical reactions that may cause the belt to swell, deteriorate and start wearing out.
Frequent usage of even the best belt dressing products can also ruin the belt in the long run. It’s best to always thread with caution when using these belt-dressing substances.
Can You Spray Water on a Serpentine Belt?
Yes, you can spray water on the belt to determine the actual cause of the squeaky sound.
Often, it’s not always the belt at fault, but a misalignment issue. This test is used to investigate the source of the misalignment, which is either from the pulley or tensioner.
Spraying water on your serpentine belt isn’t a solution-based approach to belt squeals but a reliable troubleshooting method to diagnose the source of the problem.
What Can I Spray on My Belt to Stop Squeaking?
You can use silicone sprays or other silicone-based belt dressing products to stop your belt from squealing.
WD-40 sprays are excellent options to stop belts from squealing. They pack the right silicone formula to provide the necessary lubrication and protection against the elements that every belt needs.
Why Not Use Belt Dressing?
It’s unhealthy to use belt dressing sprays on your car’s belt all the time without a proper diagnosis to determine the cause of the squeaky sounds. Belt dressing sprays used frequently can cause the rubber material to deteriorate due to chemical reactions between the belt and chemical solvents in the belt dressing solutions.
Consequently, always check the belt for any sign of damage before applying a belt dressing spray and invite a mechanic over if the sound persists after the first two or three applications.
