What is a Serpentine Belt?

How Long Do Serpentine Belts Last?

Generally speaking, serpentine belts can last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. That being said, the actual life you get from your belt can depend on the conditions you typically drive in, among other factors, so it’s always smart to check up on your belt from time-to-time. This is the best way to catch any potential issues before they become major problems.

How Do I Know it’s Time to Replace My Serpentine Belt?

Keep an eye (and ear) out for the following warning signs, and you’ll know right away if it’s time to replace your serpentine belt:

• Unusual noises, such as squeals and chirps, coming from under the hood
• Your power steering or air conditioner cease to operate
• There are visible cracks and wear on the rubber of your serpentine belt
• Your vehicle succumbs to an all-out failure

As you can see, there are dangerous repercussions if you don’t check up on your serpentine belt’s condition regularly. The last thing you want is to experience power steering failure, air conditioner failure, or worse, total vehicle failure, while you’re driving in Olympia. Worse yet, it’s not just the power steering and air conditioner that can be affected by an unkept serpentine belt. You’ll also be risking the failure of the alternator and water pump.