Serpentine Belt Service Video

The serpentine belt drives engine accessories, including the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and AC compressor, using a single ribbed belt. Without it, none of those accessories turns. This video walks through where the belt routes across the pulleys and what a worn one looks like once the ribs begin to crack. As the engine runs, the belt maintains constant tension through a spring-loaded tensioner that keeps every accessory spinning at the right speed.

A worn serpentine belt usually shows itself before it breaks. Cracked ribs, glazing, missing belt material, or high-pitched squealing during cold starts can indicate a serpentine belt nearing the end of its service life. Around Cape Girardeau, summer under-hood heat and winter cold cycle the belt's rubber until the ribs harden and split earlier than the mileage alone would suggest. An inspection at Parks Automotive checks the belt for cracking, measures tensioner travel, and looks at each pulley for wobble or bearing noise.

When the belt or tensioner needs to be replaced, schedule an appointment through our preventive maintenance service to have the full accessory drive checked. Drivers from Jackson and Scott City bring their vehicles to us for this work.

If you hear squealing from the front of the engine or notice cracks in the serpentine belt, it may be time for an inspection. Call Parks Automotive at (573) 335-2599 or visit your  Cape Girardeau auto shop to have the belt checked.