Serpentine Belt Replacement

Serpentine Belt Replacement and Service with Stanley Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Brownwood

You may not think about the serpentine belt on your vehicle until it stops working. This little belt is a critical part of your engine starting and running smoothly. It should be checked periodically when you have your vehicle serviced. To keep from getting stranded around Brownwood, Comanche, or Coleman, have the service team at Stanley CDJR Brownwood check your serpentine belt.

What a Serpentine Belt Does

The serpentine belt is so named because it’s a long belt that snakes around a bunch of pulleys. It controls several critical parts, such as the water pump, power steering, air conditioning, and alternator. Without the alternator, your battery won’t get charged and the vehicle won’t run.
Older models used multiple belts to power these components instead of just one serpentine belt. Newer models have replaced those belts with the all-purpose serpentine belt. An automatic tensioner ensures the correct tension stays on the belt even when it stretches and starts to wear out.

When to Replace a Serpentine Belt

Serpentine belts are comprised of rubber, which will wear out over time. The rubber dries out and starts to crack with extreme heat or cold. Modern rubber has become more durable, which allows the belt to work longer before replacement is needed. When you bring in your vehicle for an oil change or other service, the technicians will inspect your belts, including the serpentine belt.
You can expect a serpentine belt to last between 60K and 100K miles. If you don’t drive very often or very far, you will still need to have the belt replaced in four to six years.
When the serpentine belt breaks or stops working, everything it controls will quit quickly. Before it completely fails, you may notice some warning signs.

• Power steering doesn’t work or acts sluggish
• Battery won’t charge or battery light on the dash is on
• Air conditioning doesn’t work correctly
• Vehicle overheats
• The belt makes a squealing sound
• Belt appears frayed, cracked, or has pieces missing

When you schedule service for the serpentine belt, the service technician may suggest replacing the tensioner. They usually look at the timing belt or timing chain as well. These components last about the same length of time as the serpentine belt.

Schedule Service with Stanley CDJR Brownwood

Use our online service scheduler to make an appointment to have your serpentine belt inspected or replaced. You can also give us a call to schedule service. When you bring your vehicle in, you can hang out in our waiting area or have our shuttle take you to work or home until the job is finished.
Don’t let a broken serpentine belt leave you stranded on the side of the road or in a parking lot. Trust the service team at Stanley Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Brownwood to make the repair and get you back on the road as soon as possible. Our goal is to keep you safe and on the road in a reliable vehicle.