Why the Serpentine Belt Needs Replacement
With such an understanding of how important the serpentine belt is to the daily function of a vehicle, it becomes obvious as to why the belt needs to be replaced preemptively rather than after it breaks. The vehicle won't make it to the dealership for the replacement without causing further damage inside the individual systems if driven without the belt in place. Without the belt, the engine will overheat and burn out expensive parts to replace components. Beyond that, the car won't have power steering or proper hydraulic pressure for the brakes to function properly, and unlike Fred Sanford's truck, which was designed not to need such systems, modern cars simply aren't drivable without power brakes and steering. You can have an accident trying to drive without the control those systems provide.
Problems a Worn Serpentine Belt Can Cause
Although a bit of road grime can get into the engine compartment and cause the serpentine belt to wear out prematurely, they typically have a life expectancy and are intended to be replaced as outlined in the owner's manual as part of routine vehicle maintenance. If the belt begins to wear before such an expectation, it's likely a sign one of the systems it runs isn't working properly and is causing unintended wear to the belt. Believe it or not, that's a good thing, as the worn belt provides a technician with the knowledge they need to fix the broken system before it causes more damage and requires more expensive repairs. You can tell the belt is in bad shape because it causes a horrible squealing noise, and the air conditioner won't properly cool the cabin during regular driving.
Why Choose Route 18 CDJR in New Brunswick, NJ for Serpentine Belt Replacement?
Replacing the serpentine belt might seem like something a local mechanic or talented vehicle owner can do. Still, it needs to be addressed by a properly trained technician at a service center such as the one we provide at Route 18 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in East Brunswick, NJ and serving the surrounding areas of New Brunswick, Edison, Franklin Township, and Woodbridge Township.
  Schedule Service
