A common philosophy for car repair is, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” It seems counter-intuitive to spend money replacing a car part that is working fine. But it’s often more cost-effective in the long run!
This is especially true for serpentine belt replacement. The serpentine belt is a vital component of your vehicle. And if it breaks, you might end up stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. That’s why we recommend replacing it before it breaks to prevent further repairs and save money.
What is a serpentine belt?
The serpentine belt is a long rubber belt that transports power to the engine accessories—the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor and (sometimes) the water pump.
Sometimes the serpentine belt is called a drive belt, fan belt or accessory belt. This is because vehicles used to have multiple drive belts connecting the engine to various accessories (such as the radiator fan or alternator). Modern vehicles usually just have one belt that winds through multiple pulleys to power all the accessories.
Using one belt is the most efficient and reliable option. But it also means that when your car’s serpentine belt breaks, everything stops working! You’ll lose power steering, the air conditioner will quit, your battery will eventually die, and the engine might overheat. Plus, the broken belt could damage the engine accessories it controls.
This is why it is so important to get your serpentine belt replaced on a regular schedule.
Serpentine Belt vs. Timing Belt
Don’t get confused—a serpentine belt is not the same as a timing belt.
The timing belt is inside the engine and keeps the crankshaft and camshaft in sync. It ensures that the engine intake and exhaust valves open and close in time with the pistons so the engine runs smoothly.
The serpentine belt is what keeps the engine accessories running smoothly and efficiently. It connects the engine crankshaft outside the engine to all the engine accessories.
You can easily tell the difference between them by looking at their grooves. A timing belt has horizontal “teeth” designed to fit the cogwheels of the crankshaft and camshaft. A serpentine belt has V-shaped grooves that run vertically along the belt.
Drivers often need to replace these belts around the same time. Ask your mechanic or consult the owner’s manual to see if you need to replace your timing belt too.
Read: What Is a Timing Belt? And When Should You Replace It?
When should you replace the serpentine belt?
Your serpentine belt was made to last. Under ideal circumstances, a serpentine belt will last 60,000–100,000 miles.
It’s important to replace this belt as part of your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance, even if it looks okay. You don’t want this car part to break while you’re on the road.
Not sure when it was last replaced? The certified technicians at Virginia Tire & Auto can do a visual inspection during your next visit to give you an idea of when to replace it.
5 Symptoms of a Bad Serpentine Belt
Serpentine belts are designed to last a long time. But eventually, heat and friction will wear them down. Here are five signs of a failing serpentine belt:
- Signs of wear (cracking, glazing, fraying, etc.)
- Squealing or chirping sound (indicates a slipping belt)
- Performance loss (power steering failure, sudden car battery drain or stalled engine)
- Illuminated Check Engine Light
- Unusual noises
Serpentine Belt Replacement at Virginia Tire & Auto
Are you due for an oil change or other preventative maintenance? If so, have your trusted Virginia Tire & Auto mechanic inspect your serpentine belt during your next visit.
We will examine your vehicle, identify any damage to your belt, and replace it at an affordable cost. Plus, we back our serpentine belt replacement service with a 2-year/24,000-mile service warranty. Click HERE to schedule a visit at one of our convenient locations!
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