Serpentine Belt Replacement

Serpentine Belt & Replacement Maintenance Explained

The serpentine belt snakes around accessories’ pulleys at the engine’s front delivering the energy necessary for them to work. These accessories include the water pump, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and alternator. The serpentine belt requires routine inspections and should be replaced at the recommended miles or if an inspection finds it losing integrity.

When Does my Serpentine Belt Need Replacement?

The recommendation for serpentine belt replacement varies for different Kia models and years. Be sure to reference the owner’s manual and get the belt inspected and replaced as detailed in the maintenance schedule. It is also essential to replace worn serpentine belts before the recommended maintenance interval if it loses integrity.

What are the Warning Signs of a Serpentine Belt that Should be Replaced?

These are the telltale warning signs of a serpentine belt losing integrity:

• Squealing noise under the hood toward the engine’s front
• AC and power steering not working
• Engine overheating
• Physical defects, such as cracking, fraying, and rib separation.

What Happens if the Serpentine Belt Breaks While Driving?

You never want to drive with excessive serpentine belt wear and tear because this ends in a broken belt while driving. The water pump, power steering, alternator, and air conditioner will immediately stop working. The critical risks are the inability to steer and the engine overheating.