Even cars as reliable as Land Rover can have problems that arise over time. These need to be dealt with as soon as possible. Otherwise, larger problems may develop with the vehicle.

There are a number of signs that will manifest when problems occur under the hood, but it is up to you as the owner of the vehicle to act on those signs when you see them.

Issues with the serpentine belt should be considered serious. For the most part, serpentine belts don’t break, but they do need replacing after a certain amount of miles, depending on your car. Not replacing your serpentine belt can lead to engine problems and detrimental performance issues.

What is a serpentine belt?

All of the larger parts under your hood need smaller pieces to link them together into one synchronized machine. Without those key pieces, your entire vehicle would not function properly or at all. This serpentine belt serves that purpose.

This long, snaking belt transports power to different components under the hood. Its continuous movement is responsible for keeping the alternator, steering pump, air conditioning, and more functioning smoothly. Over time, the serpentine belt can begin to wear down due to the heat and friction put on it by the vehicle over time.

Typically, a serpentine belt will last between 50,000 to 100,000 miles, which is a lifespan of multiple years. However, replacing the serpentine belt should be your number one priority if you notice that it is wearing down. If you do not replace the belt, you risk it potentially breaking, which is actually quite dangerous and can cause catastrophic damage to your engine. The serpentine belt is under a lot of tension, so if it breaks, the whiplash could be dangerous and destructive.

On top of that, a broken serpentine belt will stop power from being transferred to key components needed to run the car, such as the alternator or steering pump. Truthfully, there are so many parts that go into making your Land Rover the reliable car you trust. The smaller parts, such as the serpentine belt, allow those larger parts to function.

Below are some of the key indicators that it’s time to replace your serpentine belt. Don’t hesitate to take your vehicle in to a professional if you notice any of the signs.

Signs to Replace the Serpentine Belt

As mentioned, your serpentine belt could theoretically last up to 100,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your car as well as how you drive it. Despite this, serpentine belts can wear down at any time as a natural progression of use. Here are the common warning signs which may help you identify the need for replacement.

Squealing Noise Under the Hood

Squealing noises coming from your car should always be a sign that something is wrong. However, in this context, the serpentine belt may be the culprit. As the belt ages and begins to develop tears or cracks, it can slip on its track or become misaligned, resulting in a high pitched squealing noise.

No Power Steering or Air Conditioning

As mentioned above, the serpentine belt gives power to the steering pump and air conditioning. While no air conditioning is tolerable, a lack of power steering is dangerous, especially if it happens while out on the road. Keeping this in mind, if you feel as if your power steering is about to go, pull over to the side of the road and check on the serpentine belt when you get a chance.

Cracks in the Belt

Check under the hood if you believe your car may be getting close to the age of needing a new serpentine belt. The belt itself is not hidden and can be seen easily with a glance. Inspect what you can see and look for any cracks or signs of extreme wear on the belt. If you see either of these, it’s best to take your car in as soon as possible.

Glenwood Foreign Car For Your Land Rover Needs

At Glenwood Foreign Car, we understand the importance of keeping your vehicle maintained and in proper working order. We have served clients for many years in the areas of Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA.

Our longevity in the community combined with our experience servicing non-domestic vehicles means we have the knowledge and parts needed to fix your Land Rover’s serpentine belt. Come in today or give us a call to schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you.

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