How Long Can A Car Run Without A Serpentine Belt?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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How long will my car run with a broken serpentine belt? There are a few variables involved in the answer, but it should be able to run

between 20 to 90 minutes

. If it is a hot summer day, your engine can overheat very quickly without the coolant being pumped through the radiator.

Can you drive a car without a serpentine belt?


Under no circumstances can

you drive a vehicle without a serpentine belt because the serpentine belt serves the important function of delivering antifreeze to important parts of the engine. The serpentine belt drives the water pump, and without it, there is insufficient coolant flow to maintain the engine temperature.

What happens if a serpentine belt breaks while driving?

A broken serpentine belt can lead to a

sudden loss of power steering

in your car, making your steering very difficult to turn. … A broken serpentine belt causes the water pump to stop circulating coolant through the engine's cooling system, causing it to overheat.

How expensive is it to replace a serpentine belt?

But what does a serpentine belt cost? Of course, it depends on your make and model as well as labor costs, but in general a replacement serpentine belt costs

around $70-$200

(plus taxes and fees), including around $50 for the belt and around $150 for the labor.

What are the symptoms of a serpentine belt going bad?

  • Flickering lights on start up.
  • Failure to start.
  • Dimmed headlights.
  • Continuously illuminated amperage light.

How many years does a serpentine belt last?

Serpentine belts are built to last—much longer than before because of advancements in rubber technology. Under ideal conditions, a belt should stick with you for an average of

60,000 to 100,000 miles

.

Can I replace a serpentine belt myself?

You can replace a

serpentine belt with ordinary hand tools

. But we don't recommend it. The spaces are often tight and the belt-driven devices difficult to reach. … The belt placement tool allowed us to remove and properly place the new belt without reaching down into the pulley area.

Will AAA replace a serpentine belt?

At AAA Owned and Operated Auto Repair, we perform the following belt services: Serpentine Belt Service Serpentine belts transfer power from the crankshaft to engine accessories, such as A/C, power steering, alternator, fan, and various other pumps and accessories. … Remove and replace old or worn serpentine belt.

Will a new serpentine belt improve performance?


Not really

. All of your accessories(power steering, air-conditioning, etc.) put drag on the engine; which is why reducing the load from accessories (via under-drive pulleys or simply disabling the accessories) can help with performance.

What causes a serpentine belt to go bad?

Serpentine belt problems usually result from one of three causes: a

defective belt tensioner

; misalignment of a pulley; or, defective bearings in the tensioner, idler, or one of accessories driven by the belt (including the water pump). … Excessive cracking: Other than severe old age, defective tensioner.

Can a bad serpentine belt cause check engine light?

Without this belt, the engine can't run. How do I know it's time to replace my timing belt?

A loose or worn belt will cause ticking

or rattling noises, poor engine performance and overheating, usually triggering the check engine light.

Can antifreeze damage a serpentine belt?


Yes

. Antifreeze will cause damage the rubber compound in the belts. If you do not replace it now then it will slip and may cause the water pump installer to not warranty the work.

How much does it cost to replace tensioner and serpentine belt?

To get the belt tensioner replaced, you will pay anywhere from

$140 to almost $400

. The price of parts and labor varies from one car to the next, with most labor costs coming in at about $70 or $80.

Does Walmart replace serpentine belts?


Walmart does replace serpentine belts at some Auto Care Centers

as of 2021. The price can range from $150 – $200 for replacing the serpentine belt, which includes the belt and labor. It is recommended to call your local Walmart Auto Care Center beforehand to see if the store offers this service.

How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt at Valvoline?

VAVOLINE OIL CHANGE PRICES VALVOLINE AUTO REPAIR Serpentine Belt Replacement

$79.99
Battery Replacement $119.99 Light Bulb Replacement $11.99

How much does it cost to replace a serpentine belt on a BMW?

BMW 328i Serpentine Belt Replacement Cost Estimate.

Labor costs are estimated between $113 and $143

while parts are priced between $42 and $53. This range is based on the number and age of BMW 328i's on the road.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.