When to Replace a Serpentine Belt

In the old days there were three different belts to deal with on a car. Now there is usually just one the serpentine belt. This is one long wide belt drives the alternator, air conditioner and water pump. Fans are usually electric and run off the battery now. How does one know when the belt drive in ones automobile is going bad? Here are some signs that will indicate when it is time to change a serpentine belt.

Sign 1: When the belt is noisy it is a good time to inspect the belt to see why. This could be caused from water on the belt to oil being on the belt. Check the belt to see if it is wet or oily. If it is wet and it is raining this will pass. The oil though may be another problem one needs to see if there is an oil leak that is visible. Another cause may be when one is putting oil into the car and some may have spilled onto the engine.

There are a number of belt cleaners on the market to get oil off. Try one of these before replacing the belt.

Sign 2: The belt could be wearing on the side. Just like a tire a belt could be wearing on one side or the other. This could be caused by the belt rubbing against something like a screw or who knows what?

Look closely and try to find the problem, if it is a loose screw tighten it. If one is not sure take it to a mechanics shop to see what the problem may be. This could save one from a break down on some cold or hot night.

Sign 3: The serpentine belt has what one might call ribbed or notched areas on the belt that faces the pulley assembly. These ribs can eventually wear off. Small amounts of wear are not reason for concern. It is not uncommon to have four or five notches missing or worn and the belt still functioning. This would be a judgment call for replacement.

Keeping this belt replaced as needed is a must. No one wants something to happen when they are on an isolated stretch of roadway. I remember once having a power steering belt break many years ago when I was on a road trip needless to say steering the vehicle did require much more work.

Break downs are no fun. Listen to ones mechanic when they tell you it is time to change one part or another.