Serpentine Belt Replacement

Replacing Your Serpentine Belt

As mentioned, the serpentine belt drives several critical components of your vehicle. If the serpentine belt does break, it could cause a series of mechanical failures that will stop your vehicle from running. It could also cause severe damage to your engine and cost you a lot of money, possibly leaving you stranded on the side of the road in the process.

Signs of wear to your serpentine belt include a squealing sound, cracks in groups of three or more within an inch of the ribbed section, and cracks half the thickness of the belt or deeper. The squealing noise is only a warning noise that indicates that the belt is loose or that moisture has come between the belt and the wheels it wraps around. If you hear squealing from the engine, inspect the belt right away or take the vehicle in for an inspection from a certified technician.

New Serpentine Belt in Milwaukee, IL

The serpentine belt delivers mechanical power to many of your vehicle's vital systems. It drives the steering pump, alternator, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. In most vehicles, the serpentine belt lasts for approximately 80,000 to 100,000 miles before signs of wear start to show. Once signs of wear appear, you should replace the belt to prevent overheating, breakdown, and engine damage.

What Happens if I Don't Have Serpentine Belt When Warning Signs Arise

Because the serpentine belt delivers power to your steering pump, enabling power steering, a sudden failure can cause loss of control over your vehicle. In most cases, you won't crash but you could be caught off guard by the rapid loss of power to the steering column. If this change happens in traffic, or while negotiating harsh winter conditions, it could be very dangerous. The sudden failure of this belt will almost certainly cause damage that could be avoided if you had it changed on time. Remember, your serpentine belt should be replaced at least every 100,000 miles or when signs of wear begin to show.

John Amato Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Service Center

Here at John Amato Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Milwaukee, Glendale, Lincoln Park, and Thurston Woods, WI, we always check the serpentine belt for wear, since it is usually easy to see. We'll make sure your belt is in good condition, and replace it if needed. Call or stop by our service center today to schedule an appointment.