Travis, Yes, The belt must be snug to charge properly. Normally you can push down maby 1/2 inch when it'd tight. Watch your alternator /volt needle, if it stays down below 13 volts all the time when your driving then that is most of the problem. You may have and original alternator that is wore out and not charging enough. Let me know John http://www.specialtauto.com/electrical.shtml