What is a Serpentine Belt?

How Can You Tell Your Serpentine Belt is Wearing Out?

There are a few ways you can tell your serpentine belt needs attention. Some are much more serious than others, so it’s important if you notice more minor symptoms to get your car checked out before it leads to more serious issues.

Your Oil Filter is Worn or Not Aligned

A good rule of thumb is to have your oil filter replaced every time you get an oil change. Over time, they’ll wear out and accumulate extra sludge and debris, just as your engine oil does. Your oil filter can also come out of alignment or, if you recently had your oil changed, your new oil filter could have been aligned improperly when it was replaced.

A Bad Oil Drain Plug

When you get an oil change, the oil drain plug will be removed so that all of the old engine oil will drain out of your car. Over time, this plug can wear out – or it can be loose or misaligned after a recent oil change. This is a pretty common cause for oil leaks, as well as a very simple one to fix. It’s still a good idea to get it fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

The Valve Gasket is Worn

Because your engine is a closed system, all of the seals and gaskets are important to keep in good condition. Over time, they’ll wear out from use and temperature exposure, as well as the buildup of sludge from engine oil. As the pressure in your engine increases, it can cause the gaskets to leak. If not addressed soon enough, the gaskets may break, resulting in major engine repairs.

Damage to Your Oil Pan

While driving, especially in rough winter weather or while off-roading where the underside of your car is more likely to get knocked, your oil pan may get hit. This can lead to an oil leak from either a hole in your oil pan or a dent that has caused a misalignment with your oil drain plug.

Your Car Breaks Down

If your serpentine belt breaks completely, your car will break down and stall wherever you are. This is not only inconvenient but also unsafe. Ahead of a full break down, you should notice the above signs and symptoms, as well as seeing your Check Engine light come on your dashboard. It’s important not to ignore these signs so you can avoid an unnecessary breakdown.

Driving with a Worn Serpentine Belt is Risky

While it’s never good to continue driving when you know there’s a problem with some part of your car, an issue with your serpentine belt is especially risky. All of the belts under the hood of your car play key roles in keeping essential systems working well. Your serpentine belt is no exception. If any problem with your serpentine belt goes too long without being fixed, you risk major engine repairs and your car may become undrivable in the meantime.