When Should You Replace the Serpentine Belt?

And Why You Can’t Ignore it
While there are no “hard and fast” rules as to when you should replace the serpentine belt in your vehicle, industry experts suggest you should start considering it around the 4th or 5th year of ownership. Belt failure, often due to wear and tear increases greatly around the vehicle’s 4 or 5th year; however, some vehicles may require attention earlier.
Knowing what to look for before your belt system breaks down is an important part of vehicle maintenance. Once a belt breaks, your car won’t drive and all functions will cease to work. Belts play an important role in keeping your car “healthy.” The serpentine belt (which is also referred to as the V-belt or fan belt) is responsible for transmitting all the power to and from the engine, whereas the timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft perfectly synchronized in order to maintain engine timing.
Ignoring the belt system could cause you significant trouble—especially if you are stuck on the side of the road with an automobile or SUV that won’t start. Statistically, 10 out of 10 serpentine belt failures directly result in breakdowns.

On the upside you can replace and have your belt system inspected on a regular basis to avoid a breakdown. In addition to making regular visits to your South-Central Wisconsin mechanic, keep alert. There are 3 noises you shouldn’t ignore:
•Squealing: the high-pitched squealing noise you hear when you start your vehicle, suddenly accelerate or turn on your A/C may be due to serpentine belt slippage or a soft spring-loaded belt tensioning pulley
•Chirping: don’t check for birds in your engine! Most likely the chirping noise is due to belt vibration. Belt vibration occurs due to faulty aligned pulleys, damp conditions or belt glazing
•Growling : your vehicle isn’t angry with you; the growling noise may be due to a faulty bearing in the tensioner pulley or an idler pulley

In addition to specific noises, other symptoms that indicate your belt system may need to be replaced includes a quickly draining battery, excessive sidewall wear on a V-belt that causes it to ride lower than normal, a cracked V-belt underside and a noisy alternator.
What You Should Know About Serpentine Belt Replacement
Although some novice mechanics may attempt a serpentine belt or timing belt replacement, experts contend that a professional mechanic should handle this job.
FAQs about belt repair and replacement:
•Serpentine belts should be replaced every 4 to 5 years or every 50,000 miles
•Lifespan for an engine belt, V-belt (serpentine) and timing belt replacement depend not only on the mileage, but also on the load, tension and heat
•Belt wear can be accelerated if the belt is loose and slips because it adds friction between the belt and pulley, producing more heat
•Proper belt tension during installation will determine how long the belt will last
•Once belt tension has been adjusted, it should be re-checked by a mechanic and possibly readjusted after the car has been driven (typically after 500 to 1,000 miles). Then re-checked bi-annually or every 5,000 to 6,000 miles

Because proper belt alignment and tightening is key to its lifespan, make it a priority to visit a qualified Mount Horeb, Dane County or Madison mechanic for belt repair and installation. For discounts and the latest news on what to do if you hear a growl, chirp or squeal, sign up for a mailing list with a leading auto repair shop in Mount Horeb Wisconsin. You will also receive special offers and coupons including discounts on various auto repair and maintenance services, including serpentine and timing belt replacement.

Helwig Auto Clinic provides various check engine light services with serpentine belt. We also change serpentine belt and replace serpentine belt