Cars are made of thousands of moving parts, such as the water pump, power steering pump, AC compressor, and alternator. For a vehicle to function properly, all these parts must work together. The serpentine belt, sometimes referred to as the accessory drive belt, connects these important parts and ensures that they run smoothly. When they fail, though, you’ll run into some serious issues. Here are a few easy-to-spot symptoms of a bad serpentine belt.
No Air Conditioning
If the vehicle’s AC stops working, the serpentine belt may be to blame. The air conditioner won’t make any noise, and no cold air will come from the vents. A non-working AC may have several causes but check the serpentine belt just in case.
Squealing Noises
If it sounds like your car is squealing in protest when you start it up, look at the serpentine drive belt first. Squealing typically occurs when the belt is slipping or improperly aligned, and it’s often noticed on cold mornings when the engine hasn’t warmed up.
Engine Overheating
In vehicles where the serpentine belt moves the water pump, overheating is a common issue. If the serpentine belt fails, the water pump won’t work—and an overheated engine is sure to follow. By continuing to drive with this issue, you’re asking for trouble.
Get the Belt You Need
Driving with a bad serpentine belt is a risky proposition. If you must, drive carefully and slowly to minimize the risk of engine overheating and seizure. Better yet, have the vehicle towed to a repair shop.