The serpentine belt is another one of your vehicle’s complex systems. When it begins to wear out, you’ll start having problems with your alternator, air conditioning, and power steering. This can create an unsafe driving condition. It may begin with an unexplainable squealing noise. It will then progress on to additional problems if not addressed. At Vern Eide Honda in Sioux Falls, SD, our team can quickly diagnose the problem, get it fixed so that you can drive safely. We are also conveniently located to the communities of Mitchell, Watertown, Aberdeen, Chamberlain, Pierre, Rapid City, South Dakota.
Recent improvements in industry technology have increased the lifespan of a vehicle’s serpentine belt. Though they are still made from rubber, you can expect them to last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles in most cases. It will eventually break down though due to continual exposure to friction and heat.
The most obvious signs that you might be having a problem is a noise – namely squealing or chirping. When the belt starts slipping, it will start making noise. This lets you know that either the belt has stretched or that the tension is low. Other signs include air conditioning or power steering failing. Without the proper tension in the serpentine belt, neither of these will operate correctly. You may also begin to have issues with the alternator and water pump. Should any of these conditions develop, you need to have the vehicle inspected by a certified technician.
Driving with a serpentine belt that has low tension or that is broken creates an unsafe driving condition. It puts you at risk of the car breaking down when you are far from home. As it fails, it can seriously damage the other parts that it powers. If you don’t have it inspected when you start having problems, you may end up having to replace other parts in your drivetrain.
Our team at Vern Eide Honda in Sioux Falls, SD is always ready to help you! If you suspect that there might be a problem with the serpentine belt’s tension, bring it in and we will inspect it. If you need to replace it, we’ll let you know. If caught early enough, we may simply need to adjust the belt tension for you. Our goal is for you to enjoy your vehicle for as long as possible. Replacing the serpentine belt once in the lifespan of the vehicle may be all that you need to keep enjoying your vehicle.
Vern Eide Honda, South Louise Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
