The serpentine belt in your vehicle is a belt that passes through pulleys and helps power parts that are connected to the engine, including the radiator fan and alternator. Older models were run with multiple belts to perform this job, but modern vehicles merely have the serpentine belt to make sure everything runs as it should. Because of this, it’s an important piece of your vehicle that needs to be checked every now and then to make certain it isn’t starting to wear out.
Luckily, our team of technicians at Downtown Ford can do so, and even replace the belt if necessary. Read on to find out why you should replace your serpentine belt every 100,000 kilometres, as well as signs that indicate it might be time to get your serpentine belt replaced.
If you require other services, our team at Downtown Ford has you covered. We offer Transmission Service, Battery Service, Engine Tune-Up & Repair Service, and more to Ford owners in and around Toronto, ON.
How Often to Get Your Serpentine Belt Replaced
Signs Your Serpentine Belt Needs Replacing
Your Ford won’t run properly if the belt is broken, or worse, will overheat and severely damage the rest of your engine. As such, watch for these signs that indicate it’s time to get your serpentine belt looked at by a team of trained technicians:
- Chirps or squealing noises from your engine (signs that the belt is slipping because of loose tension or misalignment from belt damage)
- The alternator, climate control, or power steering failing (these three are controlled by the serpentine belt)
- Overheating (the serpentine belt also controls the water pump that cools the engine)
Serpentine Belt Replacement FAQs
How long should a serpentine belt last for?
It’s said that most serpentine belts will last for up to 100,000 kilometres of driving, but the material with which the belt is made and the conditions in which you drive can affect this number and make it less. That’s why it’s so important to watch out for the signs that it’s time to get it replaced, and to have a trained technician look it over if you suspect it needs replacing sooner.
Can you drive with a bad serpentine belt?
While the vehicle will still function with a bad belt, it’s highly advised not to drive with one that needs replacing. A squeaky or loose belt runs the risk of causing serious damage to your engine, and can possibly break as well.
What are the symptoms of a bad serpentine belt?
The squeaky/chirpy sounds are the most common symptom of a bad serpentine belt, but watch out for the alternator, climate control, or power steering failing as well. If your engine is overheating from a bad serpentine belt, take it in to see a team of trained technicians as soon as possible and do not drive with it overheating.
Get Your Serpentine Belt Replacement Service at Downtown Ford in Toronto, ON
At Downtown Ford in Toronto, ON, the trained technicians in our Service Department can both look at your serpentine belt for wear and tear and replace it if the need arises. Contact us to book in for a service appointment to do so, or simply fill out the form below!