You’ve just purchased a new ride, and you feel on top of the world. But then you remember that your car has quite a few moving parts you need to take care of — with one of them being your serpentine belt.
The serpentine belt is a continuous belt that provides power to several devices in your car’s engine. These devices range from your alternator to your water pump, air pump, and air conditioner compressor.
So, exactly how long do serpentine belts last?
Here’s a rundown on everything you need to know about the life of your new car’s serpentine belt.
Let’s jump in!
How Long Do Serpentine Belts Last?
As a general rule of thumb, serpentine belts can last for years before requiring replacement.
Your belt’s lifespan will ultimately depend on the kind of material that it is made of. An older-style belt, made from Neoprene, usually lasts around 50,000 miles. Thus, a car with this type of belt might last you for four to five years.
However, a newer belt made from ethylene propylene diene monomer, or EPDM, may last for 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles. Thus, a newer belt may very well last you for a decade.
To increase your belt’s chances of lasting for a long time, you need to make sure that your car receives maintenance regularly. During these maintenance checks, your mechanic should always inspect your belt.
If your belt breaks suddenly, your air conditioning system will suddenly stop, and your alternator will stop operating, among other things. As a result, your car will have no choice but to run on its battery power until your engine fully drains the battery. Then, unfortunately, you might find yourself stranded along a street.
Signs That Your Serpentine Belt Needs Replacing
Although your serpentine belt should remain intact for a long time, you may notice some signs of wear and age over time. Here are a few of them:
- Cracks in your belt
- Squealing from beneath your car’s hood (in this case, your belt might be stretched)
- Battery light on
- Power steering assist not working
- Tears, nicks, or cuts in your belt
- Belt inner surface has grooves missing
If you have concerns about the state of your serpentine belt, be sure to consult a reputable technician. They can measure the amount of wear that your belt has sustained. Then, your technician might recommend replacement according to their measurement.
How We Can Help
In addition to answering the question “How long do serpentine belts last,” we offer top-of-the-line serpentine belt care services in the Ventura, CA, area.
For instance, we can inspect your belt and replace it as needed. We also offer hose inspection/replacement services, car tune-ups, brake repairs, and engine service.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how our automobile services can help you to keep your new car running like a dream for years to come.
