How often should I change my serpentine belt on my car?

Under ideal circumstances, your car's serpentine belt should 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) to avoid it breaking while you're on the road.

How many miles is a serpentine belt Good For?

Of the parts that will eventually need to be replaced in your vehicle, the serpentine belt is one of the most important. How long does a serpentine belt last? Being made of durable rubber, a serpentine belt can last anywhere from around 50,000-100,000 miles.

How many years does serpentine belt last?

Under ideal circumstances, you'll get anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles of reliable service from a typical serpentine belt. In terms of years, it may be anywhere from 4 years to an entire decade before you'll need to replace your serpentine belt.

What are the signs of a failing serpentine belt?

How expensive is a serpentine belt?

A typical serpentine belt start at around $25 and goes up to $75 at most. If you know some car repair basics, you could change the belt yourself, and it may save you paying labor charges somewhere between $75 and $120. All together, you're looking at around $100 to $195 to replace your serpentine belt.

Should You Replace Your Serpentine Belt ( Belt Basics )

What happens if you don't replace serpentine belt?

You'll lose power steering, the A/C will quit, your battery will eventually die, and the engine might overheat. Plus, it could also damage the engine accessories it controls. This is why it is so important to get your serpentine belt replaced on a regular schedule.

Can a serpentine belt last 200000 miles?

With that being said most serpentine/drive belts can last for a very long time before they need to be replaced. The lifespan of the belt will depend mostly on the type of material it's made of. Older style belts generally last about 50,000 miles, while those made from EPDM can last up to 100,000 miles.

Can serpentine belt last 200000 miles?

Can a timing belt last 200 000 miles or more? No, it can't. And frankly, you really shouldn't test this out in person, unless you have a jalopy that you won't mind sacrificing. If you keep your car running with a worn-out, poorly, or faulty timing belt, then expect catastrophic engine damage.

Is alternator belt and serpentine belt the same?

Technically, it's known as a FEAD belt (Front Engine Accessory Drive belt). People call it a serpentine because it can make turns between pulleys and use both sides of the belt. Yes, it's just another name for an Alternator belt.

Does the serpentine belt affect the transmission?

A Broken Serpentine Belt Could Ruin the Transmission

If your car's serpentine belt breaks, the transmission could be damaged. Almost as soon as your car's serpentine belt breaks, the engine will begin to overheat. Without the belt running, the water pump won't be able to adequately cool your engine.

How long will a squealing serpentine belt last?

It is a critical component of your vehicle's engine system, and if it's cracked or broken, it's time to visit to your local auto repair shop. The good news is a serpentine belt can last up to 50,000 miles or five years, with proper maintenance, before it needs replacing.

What is a serpentine belt vs timing belt?

The serpentine belt is located on the outside of the engine

It's a long rubber band stretched out on the side of the car, connecting the engine to key components of your car. For instance, the timing belt spins the alternator, which converts engine power to electricity.

Do I need to replace tensioner with serpentine belt?

Tensioners add pressure from an adjustable pivot point or spring mechanism to keep your serpentine belt taut as it circulates around the engine. There is no recommended timeframe in which to replace your tensioner, especially as the belt itself usually needs replacing before the tensioner does.

What causes a serpentine belt to squeal?

Worn/Cracked Serpentine Belt – Serpentine belts have grooves which fit into grooves in the pulleys. Over time, the friction wears down these grooves, resulting in a loose fit. A worn belt can, therefore, begin to slip, which is one of the causes the squeal. Alternatively, cracks can cause the belt to snap.

How long does an alternator belt last?

Like all other automotive belts, it is made of rubber, and that means that over time, it can deteriorate. Usually, you can expect your alternator belt to last 3-4 years. You should have it inspected regularly – a good rule of thumb is to have your mechanic check the alternator belt whenever you have an oil change.

What does a worn serpentine belt sound like?

Belt Noise

As these belts wear out, they can begin to squeak or squeal. They make noise because there is not enough tension on the belt, or because the pulleys are misaligned or weak. Often, simply changing the belt will make it stop squealing. The noise isn't usually a danger, though it does sound alarming.

What happens if a serpentine belt breaks while driving?

This can lead to a sudden lost of power assist for the steering system, leading to the steering wheel all-of-a-sudden becoming very hard to turn. A broken serpentine belt may stop the water pump from circulating coolant through the cooling system, causing the engine can overheat.

Can you replace a serpentine belt yourself?

Automatic belt tensioners, standard in most cars now, make changing a serpentine belt a simple DIY repair. Follow the clear photos and step-by-step instructions and you'll be done in 15 minutes.

What are the 3 belts in a car?

How often should you replace belts and hoses?

A good rule of thumb is to replace your V-Belt every 30,000 miles, while your serpentine belt and timing belt should be replaced every 50,000, although these numbers vary depending on the make and model of your car. Hoses should typically be replaced every four years.

When should engine belts be replaced?

It is often beneficial to change the drive belts in your car approximately every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. By undergoing annual car inspections, you can have your drive belts evaluated. If any signs of damage or severe wear and tear are identified, the belts can be replaced.