Serpentine Belt FAQs

Thompson Sales wants you to get the most out of your vehicle, which is why we offer certified service technicians to help you keep your car running smoothly for as long as you own it.

Today, we answer frequently asked questions about the serpentine belt, a common part found on cars.

What is the serpentine belt?

Also called a drive belt, your vehicle’s serpentine belt is a single, continuous belt connected to some parts in your vehicle’s engine that drives several devices while your car is in operation.

What does the serpentine belt go around?

Typical serpentine belts drive the following parts or devices on your vehicle:

1. Alternator, the part that keeps your battery recharged while the car is driving. The alternator is a miniature electrical generator hooked up to your battery.
2. Power steering pump. This part pressurizes hydraulic fluid to make it easier to steer your vehicle.
3. Air conditioning compressor. This part keeps your air conditioning cool by sending fluid through your A/C system.
4. Water pump. The water pump sends coolant through the system into the radiator to keep your engine cool.

How does the serpentine belt work?

Your vehicle’s serpentine belt has multiple grooves, usually five, that connect to various round metal parts that have similar tracks. The belt turns via a pulley system with a tensioner and a drive shaft to deliver turning motion that causes the rest of the parts to work properly.

How do I know when it’s time to replace a serpentine belt?

When you or a mechanic notices cracks or splits in the grooves of the serpentine belt.

How long do serpentine belts last?

Typically, anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

What causes serpentine belts to break?

Too much wear due to heat and friction will cause a serpentine belt to break over time. That’s why regular inspections are vital to making sure this doesn’t happen.

What are the signs of a broken serpentine belt?

You’ll notice four things wrong at the same time with a broken serpentine belt:

1. Your car suddenly becomes harder to steer.
2. The air conditioning no longer keeps your cabin cool.
3. The temperature of your engine rises.
4. The battery light comes on because the alternator is no longer generating current to send to the battery.

Can I change a serpentine belt on my own?

Yes, with a few tools.

1. Use a long-handled socket wrench to loosen the tensioner. This will allow you to remove the old belt.
2. Wind the new belt correctly through each of the parts that run on the serpentine belt.
3. Ease up on the tensioner again with the socket wrench to finish putting the serpentine belt on.
4. Turn the engine on briefly to make sure the belt is running properly.

How much does a serpentine belt cost?

Anywhere from $15 to $80, depending on the size of the belt. Most belts run at the lower end of this range.

How much does it cost to get a new serpentine belt installed with a mechanic?

Anywhere from $90 to $200. That’s because mechanics have to check the systems run by the serpentine belt to make sure they are within operational norms.

Who can replace my serpentine belt in Springfield, Missouri?

The certified technicians at Thompson Sales on East Independence. Make an appointment or call us at (417) 763-6811.