What happens if your serpentine belt breaks?
The serpentine belt is also known as an alternator belt, fan belt, or accessory drive belt. If your serpentine belt wears out, becomes damaged or contaminated, or breaks, engine accessories will not be able to spin at the proper speed, leading to decreased power to the electrical system.
Can I replace my own serpentine belt?
You can replace a serpentine belt with ordinary hand tools. But we don’t recommend it. The spaces are often tight and the belt-driven devices difficult to reach. The belt placement tool allowed us to remove and properly place the new belt without reaching down into the pulley area.
Will a car start with a broken serpentine belt?
The short answer is yes, your car will start even if the serpentine belt is broken or missing. To get the car going, the battery sends power to your starter motor. The starter motor provides enough power to get your engine moving and the combustion process started.
Why do serpentine belts break?
The most serious failure is when the serpentine belt breaks completely. This is usually the result of a belt in poor condition, or a problem with one of the accessory components being driven by the belt. A failed bearing in a pulley being driven by the serpentine belt will also cause the belt to break.
How many years will a serpentine belt last?
Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
What do you need to know about serpentine belt maintenance?
With proper maintenance, you can protect your car from serious damage and save yourself some money on repairs. To increase the longevity of your car’s serpentine belt, there are a few basic maintenance tips you should be aware of. Know where your belt is located. The exact location of the serpentine belt may vary depending on the car.
How long does it take to change a car belt?
(Remember, every car is different, and changing the belt on certain cars may require special tools.) Changing the belt should only take about 15 minutes. Make sure the car is switched off and cooled down before touching any part of the engine. Read your belt routing diagram. This may be under the hood or in your car’s manual.
What should I do if my car belt is too loose?
If it stretches farther than one inch, it is too loose. Before starting your car, double check to make sure the belt is properly routed, the belt is placed straight onto the pulleys, and that there is enough tension. After replacing the belt, keep the hood open and try starting your car to make sure all components have power.
What happens if you break the drive belt?
For cars in which the water pump is also controlled by the crankshaft, breakage of the drive belt can cause the engine to overheat, which may result in serious problems for your vehicle. With proper maintenance, you can protect your car from serious damage and save yourself some money on repairs.
