There are a lot of systems and moving parts in your car’s engine. Many of them are connected, and if one part breaks, others will follow. One such part is the serpentine belt, also called the drive or accessory belt. This belt runs through several systems in your car and keeps them all running. If the belt breaks, all those systems will stop working, and you won’t be able to drive your car. When you take your car to the auto repair shop, checking on your serpentine belt should be part of its regular maintenance.
Our auto repair experts explain what your serpentine belt does and how to tell if you need to replace it.
What systems does the serpentine belt power?
If you take a look at your engine, you’ll see a long belt running through several pulleys. That’s the serpentine belt. This belt powers many systems in your car, including:
- The alternator
- The power steering pump
- The A/C compressor
- The water pump
Because some of the systems the serpentine belt powers are strictly necessary, it used to be called the accessory belt. The way cars work has changed, however, so we call it the serpentine belt because of the way it “snakes” through the engine.
How do you know when it’s time to replace the belt?
Because the serpentine belt runs through so many systems, including some that your car just won’t run without, you don’t want it to wear out and break. A serpentine belt can usually last between 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the vehicle. To be safe, you should have your auto repair shop check on it every time you bring your car in for regular maintenance. Cracks in the rubber, shiny spots, fraying at the edges, and smooth areas on the ribbing are all signs that you need a new serpentine belt. Squealing and chirping noises coming from under your hood can also indicate that the belt is slipping or misaligned.
Reliable Auto Repair from Redman’s Automotive
Keeping your car on the road comes down to having reliable auto repair. When you come to Redman’s Automotive, that’s precisely what you get, every time. Whether you need a simple oil change or a new serpentine belt, you can trust us to handle it.