When To Replace A Serpentine Belt

How long does a serpentine belt last? Serpentine belts, also known as drive belts or accessory drive belts, are made of sturdy rubber. The serpentine belt is a vital part of your vehicle’s internal combustion engine because it powers several parts and accessories of your modern vehicle. Read on to learn more about when to replace a serpentine belt with our handy guide from Mark Miller Subaru South Towne.

How Long Does A Serpentine Belt Last? 

Do you know when to replace a serpentine belt? It’s not uncommon for a new Subaru serpentine belt to last for 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but this can still vary on factors like the model and trim of your vehicle. However, exposure to heat and friction breaks them down over time. You’ll need to schedule an appointment at our service center near Herriman to replace a worn serpentine belt. You’ll want to take care of this before the belt breaks completely because a broken serpentine belt affects the handling of your vehicle.

What Does a Subaru Serpentine Belt Do? 

The drive belt is a long, winding belt that sends power to the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioning system. The belt needs to be in good condition to effectively power other systems inside your Subaru vehicle.

When to Replace a Serpentine Belt: Know the Signs 

Over time, your Subaru serpentine belt begins to peel, crack, slip, or fray. It’s part of owning an internal combustion engine. You need to check the belt for signs of wear once a month to make sure it’s working properly. You should try to avoid a broken Subaru serpentine belt if at all possible.

If you notice any of the following red flags, it’s probably time for a replacement: 

• Squealing Noises: Strange noises indicate belt stretching or low tension, or the belt and pulley aren’t correctly connected. 
• Wear and Tear: Signs of wear and tear are easily recognizable. You’ll see cracks, uneven wear, etc. on the belt. 
• Systems Failure: If the power steering and/or air conditioning fail, your serpentine belt needs to be replaced immediately because it’s broken. You’ll also see the battery light come on because the alternator no longer feeds electricity to the battery. When the power steering fails, your vehicle will be harder to turn. The air conditioning won’t get cold, either.
• Complete Breakdown: Total belt failure results in a breakdown, which can be extremely dangerous for you and others on Midvale roads. Catching problems early on can prevent this. 

What Is a Belt Tensioner? 

Modern Subaru serpentine belts feature self-controlled belt tensioners. Using an internal spring and pulley system, they hold a specific amount of tension on the serpentine belt to prevent damage and breakage. You’ll see this tensioner move up and down slightly as the belt moves around it. 

Belt tensioners also help to keep the belt in place. Loose belts can cause the power steering, cooling system, and engine to stop running. Replacing the belt tensioner when the drive belt is replaced will help prevent mechanical failure. 

Schedule Subaru Serpentine Belt Service Near South Jordan! 

Periodically inspecting your Subaru serpentine belt can prevent steep repair costs and the failure of essential systems, such as the power steering or battery. Looking over the belt will help you determine when to replace the serpentine belt and give you an idea of how long a serpentine belt lasts. Contact us at Mark Miller Subaru South Towne to learn more about when to replace a serpentine belt and how much it costs for us to install one for you. 

Don’t forget to check out our service and parts specials for savings on components like drive belts, brake pads, and more. We’re happy to help in any way we can!