Every day we hear plenty of statistics, but we would like to throw one more your way; Twenty percent of vehicles on the road today need a serpentine belt replacement. And while this may not be one of the most common vehicle problems, a worn belt can not only break without warning, it can slip and damage important engine accessories. It typically drives all the accessories, A/C, Power Steering, alternator and various other pumps and accessories.

Regular preventative maintenance is vital to keeping your car out of the shop. If you keep a regular preventative maintenance schedule and checklist you’ll always stay on track and avoid costly repairs. Have your Tempe repair shop  like us keep an eye on the wear and tear of your serpentine belt. It may be better to replace before something major occurs, usually without warning. It is usually advised to replace a serpentine belt once the car has covered 45,000 to 60,000 miles. However, in case any physical damage is seen in the belt, replace it immediately. Besides these general guidelines there may be specific criteria for serpentine belt replacement according to the make of the vehicle. A broken or slipped serpentine belt may lead you to lose control of the car, in case the power steering pump loses power while you try to drive the car. Another common problem is a loose belt. In this case the car may make a screeching noise and it may be difficult to drive the car as well. Accessory load, quality and quantity of the accessories, and exposure to road debris also reduce the longevity of the serpentine belt. The tell tale signs of serpentine belt problems are cuts, cracks or other forms of damage on either sides of the belt. If, during inspection, the serpentine belt appears to be glazed or has chunks missing, it is an indicator that it needs to be replaced.

During regular preventative maintenance , make sure your Tempe auto repair  shop puts checking your serpentine belt on the list of scheduled service checks. We see enough statistics on a daily basis. Don’t be one of the twenty percent who are driving vehicles which need a serpentine belt replacement. With constant use, the serpentine belt experiences excessive wear and tear. With constant observation and maintenance, you can help extend its life.