Posted on 10/31/2025
If you've ever heard a high-pitched squeal when you start your car or turn the steering wheel, chances are it’s your serpentine belt asking for attention. At the same time, it might seem like a harmless noise at first, a worn or damaged serpentine belt can have serious consequences if left unchecked. The serpentine belt powers many essential components under your hood. When it starts to fail, you're not just dealing with a squeaky nuisance. You're risking problems with your power steering, alternator, air conditioning, and even your engine’s cooling system. What Does the Serpentine Belt Do The serpentine belt is a long, rubber belt that wraps around several pulleys in your engine. It drives key accessories such as: The alternator Power steering pump Water pump (in some vehicles) Air conditioning compressor As your engine runs, the belt spins to kee ... read more