Monthly Archives: February 2022

When Should I Replace My Serpentine Belt?

When Should I Replace My Serpentine Belt?

The serpentine belt is a long, snake-like belt under the hood that transports the power necessary to run your vehicle's accessories, like your alternator, power steering pump, water pump, A/C compressor, and more. Sometimes, it can be referred to as the accessory belt or fan belt. The serpentine belt typically has a v-shaped ribbing that runs vertically, and you can find it on the crankshaft outside the engine. Because the serpentine belt is made of rubber, it will age over time and need replacing. A serpentine belt should not be a part you wait to break before giving it attention. Otherwise, it can severely damage the engine and surrounding parts. If the serpentine belt shows signs of wear and tear, it would be wise to ask your mechanic when you should replace it. Some of the signs of wear and tear for a serpentine belt include: Physical evidence (fraying, glazing, cracking, tearing, etc.) Dim or faint vehicle lighting A dashboard warning light comes on Performance loss (bat ... read more