Serpentine Belt | Dickerson Automotive

Serpentine Belt

Posted on 6/14/2023

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Serpentine Belt The Serpentine belt is also referred to as a Drive belt and is responsible for getting power to many items of the vehicle to keep them running (alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning and brake assist on some models). Most manufacturers recommend replacement between 60,0000 to 100,000 miles or 4 to 6 years. The Serpentine belt does run the risk of cracking or breaking, as all rubber starts to break down with age and weather conditions. If the belt is loose or breaks these items will no longer work or become difficult to operate. Some vehicles are equipped with one belt and others may have 2 to 3. Signs of a loose belt or one that is starting to wear down will be squealing or chirping sounds, A/C not working, lack of power steering and or brake assist. If the belt breaks the vehicle may still drive but at the risk of another major repair happening if the water pump fails and is no longer circulating coolant, you run the risk of the engine overheating. Loss of the belt will make the vehicle unsafe to drive due to loss of power steering assist and braking assist on some models. The vehicle will eventually stall due to loss of electrical power, as the alternator will no longer be charging the battery.

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