Serpentine belts are long, winding rubber belts that connect and deliver power to engine accessories: water pump, power steering pump, alternator and the A/C compressor. Despite the immense role they play in the modern engine, most vehicle owners barely remember their car’s serpentine belts until they stretch beyond their limits.
Suppose your car’s serpentine belt lost shape after years of driving; what would you look for in a replacement? Here are three factors to consider.
- Size
Just like a regular belt, no single serpentine belt fits all cars. To get the best serpentine belt, first, check your old belt’s model number. If the part number is no longer visible and you cannot access your car’s manual, take off the old belt and measure its length using a string. Choose a belt one size smaller than your measurement to compensate for the old belt’s stretching over the years.
- Rib Pattern
Serpentine belts come in V-ribbed, straight-ribbed, Multi-ribbed and Multi-V patterns. Generally, the best serpentine belts have multiple crosscuts and valleys for better efficiency, air circulation, heat distribution and overall productivity.
- Material
Neoprene was, for the longest time, the best material for making drive belts. However, manufacturers switched to EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer) due to durability issues. EPDM is more elastic, heat-resistant and durable.
Final Words
All vehicle parts wear down with use, and the serpentine belt is no exception. If you have hit the dreaded 50,000-mile mark or your car needs new parts, look no further than Premium Auto Products. With Premium Auto Products, you get access to the best serpentine belts, idler pulleys, pulley tensioner choices and much more at competitive prices. Contact their offices at premiumautoproducts.com to learn about their offers today.