What is a Serpentine Belt?

If your used vehicle has reached a certain age or mileage benchmark, certain components must be replaced due to wear and tear. Your Ford serpentine belt is one of those parts, as it’s used in most of the major functions of your vehicle. What is a serpentine belt exactly? This simple band actually helps to provide power to your air conditioning compressor, alternator, and, most importantly, your power steering system. Our service department is happy to provide detailed facts when Colonie drivers ask, “what does a serpentine belt do?”

How Long Do Serpentine Belts Last?

Because of their importance within your car’s configuration, %%%taret_city_2%% drivers will find that a Ford serpentine belt lasts anywhere between 50 and 100,000 miles. However, if you spend the majority of your time driving in regions with fluctuating temperature and humidity levels, the lifespan will decline significantly. Additional elements also impact the life of your serpentine belt, and performing a visible inspection every so often can help you avoid a massive bill if it snaps while you’re driving. 

How Do I Know When It’s Time to Replace My Serpentine Belt? 

Several warnings might indicate that it’s time to install a replacement serpentine belt: 

• Visible cracks or signs of dry-rotting and wear
• A squeal or chirp coming from the hood of your car that goes away when you press the gas pedal
• Failure of power steering and air conditioner
• Total vehicle failure

If you notice or experience any of these signs, it’s important that you schedule service right away. Our technicians will properly diagnose the issue and repair it so you can get back on the road. 

What Happens When I Don’t Replace My Serpentine Belt? 

What happens if you don’t replace your serpentine belt? Well, that depends on how much damage takes place before the vehicle finally shuts down. Continued driving with a failing serpentine belt could cause your power steering system, alternator, water pump, and AC compressor to malfunction separately or potentially – all together. If your serpentine belt isn’t functioning properly, it will lead to serious issues in other areas of your vehicles that are costly to repair. 

See Metro Ford Sales Inc for Your Serpentine Belt Inspection and More

If you’re unsure about your serpentine belt, the team at Metro Ford Sales Inc can put your mind at ease by giving your vehicle a quick once-over that includes belt inspection. If we see any visible damage, we’ll quickly install a replacement and send you on your way! For additional information, contact us during normal business hours. If you’re the DIY type, our parts team carries everything you need, including a Ford serpentine belt. 

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